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Newcastle 0-1 Sunderland: Adam Johnson not showing full potential, says Craig Bellamy

Adam Johnson of Sunderland celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match at Newcastle
Image: Adam Johnson celebrates scoring the winner against Newcastle

Craig Bellamy praised Tyne-Wear derby winner Adam Johnson, but says the Sunderland man is nowhere near his potential level.

For the third season in a row, the England international winger netted at Newcastle on Sunday, as Sunderland sealed a club-record fourth straight league win over their arch-rivals.

With the ability he has, he hasn’t kicked on nowhere near to the ability he really has.
Craig Bellamy

Bellamy, who played alongside Johnson at Manchester City, told Sky Sports he was delighted to see the forward winning games for the Black Cats, but said the 27-year-old is yet to produce his best football on  a consistent basis.

"Ability-wise, he was exceptional when he first came to Man City, when I was there," said Bellamy. "He's a really likeable kid, a great personality.

"He's a player I always track and I'd love him to do well in his career. But, with the ability he has, he hasn't kicked on nowhere near to the ability he really has.

"If he could play Newcastle every week, he'd be playing for England all the time! But he's quick, he can go both ways, he's got a great shot on him and he's an intelligent kid. I'd like to see him do well."

Sunderland have kept four clean sheets in their past six matches - a remarkable improvement from a side which was beaten 8-0 at Southampton in October.

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Adam Johnson says he couldn't ask for anything more after scoring a late winner for Sunderland against Newcastle

Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith reckons Gus Poyet's defence gives the team hope of avoiding a relegation scrap at the end of the season - if only they can find a way to regularly hit the net at the other end.

"Sunderland aren't conceding goals and got a good clean sheet at St James' Park," he said.

"They've got two very good characters in John O'Shea and Wes Brown, leaders with loads of experience and that gives you a chance. If you can stay in the game as they did, nick a goal here and there, then Gus Poyet will feel a lot more confident that he's going to avoid that scramble to avoid the drop."

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As for Newcastle, former Magpies forward Bellamy expects his old side to bounce back from derby disappointment and maintain their top-10 spot in the Premier League.

Alan Pardew's men currently sit ninth, after a fine run of results earlier this month saw them shake off a slow start.

"This defeat is going to hurt but they've shown character this season," he said.

"After finishing last season not too well and starting this season poorly, they've then picked up.

"They got five Premier League wins in a row, which is a great feat in this competition, with the quality of teams in this league. I think they'll finish where they are now."

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