NICKLAS BENDTNER is enjoying a new lease of life at Sunderland but wants to put talk about his future on hold until after this summer's European Championships.

The Denmark international, likely to be his country's biggest name in Euro 2012, still has a further two years to run on his deal at the Emirates Stadium once his loan at Stadium of Light has come to an end.

And his long term future will be a source of debate during the close-season with clubs from across Europe aware Bendtner is likely to be sold by Arsenal before the start of next season.

His recent burst of form in a Sunderland shirt has reminded manager Martin O'Neill of his qualities, although there is some doubt as to whether they would be able to match his reputed £60,000-a-week wage in North London. There would also be a fee believed to be in the region of around £4m.

Moving to the North-East for the season has been completely different for Bendtner, a Scandinavian brought up in the Danish capital of Copenhagen before moving to London aged 16.

He is not writing off a move to Wearside full-time, although he does admit the slower pace is something he has had to get used to during his first seven months with the Black Cats.

Bendtner said: "The difference is massive, of course. I don't think I've ever lived so far from London. I had a loan with Birmingham but it was only two hours from London, so I could easily just drive there all the time. Of course, it is a big difference living up here.

"I spend all of my time in the house, I don't really go outside the door. When I do it's mainly to see my son living in London. It wasn't the same in London, it's a total culture change. All my friends are back there as well.

"I have still enjoyed my time at the club (Sunderland), that's the main thing - that the football is decent. Of course the lifestyle is important but I knew there would be a change when I moved.

"I can't speak for other people but I like to live a full life. I like to be able to do things all the time so it's a big change for me there."

Despite the obvious reservations about turning his back on big city life on a full-time basis, the 24-year-old is in no rush to make a judgement on the future.

"I haven't given it much thought," he said. "I really like the club and the manager has done really well since he came in here but I haven't given it any thought yet.

"I still have two years left with Arsenal, it isn't just up to me. Ideally it would only be in my hands but I'm just waiting to see in the summer. We've got the Euros, then in the summer after the Euros we will see where we are."

Whatever lies around the corner, Bendtner will never be short of the belief he can be a success. O'Neill has regularly made light of the player's self-confidence since taking over, but on the evidence of his performances - certainly of late - he has every right to.

"He (the manager) does joke with me about it sometimes," said Bendtner. "I don't know how other people think of their confidence and how other people rate themselves, but I do have confidence. I don't see why I shouldn't."

Such a confidence can often inspire dislike. While assured, though, Bendtner is friendly and happy to talk - most of the time!

"The only thing I'm tired of is that I apparently said I was one of the best players in the world, which I never said," said "That is the only thing that really annoys me, which is repeated all of the time. I don't always enjoy interviews.

"One thing I have said is that one day I could potentially be among the players who have scored the most goals in the Premier League. I said that because I genuinely believe it."

In his last seven matches, Bendtner has scored four goals for Sunderland. The quality of his performances have also reached new heights, highlighting to the fans just what he is capable of.

"There are loads of different things (why I'm playing better)," said Bendtner. "I have had to adapt to a different style of playing - it isn't just a fitness thing. There are loads of different reasons. I'm just happy that it's going better now.

"I have just taken each game at a time. If I'm in the right position and I'm not getting the ball there's not a lot I can do about it. People who know about football can see that - obviously people who don't know football well, they will get upset.

"I don't really know what to say, as I said there have been games where I've come off and I haven't even had a shot on goal, how am I supposed to score?"

* Sunderland have been charged by the FA with failing to control their players during Saturday's Premier League match at Manchester City.

The charge relates to an incident in the 43rd minute of the 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium, when some Sunderland players reacted angrily when referee Phil Dowd awarded a penalty following Craig Gardner's challenge on Edin Dzeko.

Mario Balotelli scored from the penalty to bring the home side level and later scored again as City recovered from 3-1 down to rescue a point.

Sunderland have until 4pm on April 11 to respond to the charge.