Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has hit back at suggestions that he has been a flop since moving to the club last summer.
The England international has thus far been unable to live up to expectations after moving to the Stadium of Light, but he believes that he has been unfairly criticised.
"I know that fans aren't happy but I have scored four goals this season. I've put in more crosses than anyone else and I've had assists for 11 goals too," Johnson told reporters at a press conference. "Those are the stats I prefer to concentrate on because they help give you confidence. The people who are ahead of me on the assists list are mainly at the top five clubs.
"They are the likes of Juan Mata, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie - so that's not bad company to be in - and I'm the only player in that group who is in the bottom half of the table."
"Obviously, people don't really see that, or look at those sort of things. That's what I have to focus on though because it is important you keep your self-belief if you want to contribute to the side."
Sunderland, who host Manchester United on Saturday, currently sit 15th in the Premier League table.
Matt Law
