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These are the pictures that show Sunderland striker Connor Wickham full of fizz ahead of pre-season training.

The England U21 proved himself a Premier League party boy by blowing £17,500 on a Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, on a night out in Spain.

Full-bodied, marvellously complex, with a fresh and lively bouquet - that's the champagne, not Wickham - the 15-litre bottle of Armand de Brignac was quaffed by the player and his mates in posers' paradise Puerto Banus.

To spread the joy, the vintage drink was also sprayed around, literally, in the Ocean Beach Club, where those who want to be seen, go to be seen.

Wickham is days away from returning to training on Wearside, ahead of a crucial season in his development.

The youngster's goals saved Sunderland from relegation last season after boss Gus Poyet's last gasp gamble to recall him from a loan spell in the Championship.

(Image: Solarpix)

The £25k a week star, signed for £8million from Ipswich, is facing a pivotal season with the Black Cats who will have to decide whether to renew his contract or sell up.

He has a year left on his deal, and hopes to earn a new one quickly.

Wickham will be hoping he shares one leading wine store's description of his expensive tipple. Armand de Brignac, know as Ace of Spades, is said to be: "Enjoyable today, but there is great potential ahead...."

A week ago he tweeted: "This gym game never gets easier..."