Underdogs, Doesn't Bother Me

Manager Mick McCarthy has no concerns going into the derby game as underdogs.

'In derbies, the form book goes out of the window, I guess we'll have the underdog tag in a lot of our games. It was the same for Norwich, West Brom and Crystal Palace last season. And it will be no different for us in the derby games.

'Newcastle have got to start as favourites in terms of having been in the Premiership for so much longer than ourselves. But I quite like being the underdog – it suits me down to the ground. I like those odds!'

Having experienced a derby between Sunderland and Newcastle before where Sunderland lost by a goal he said:

'I just don't think it was the same kind of atmosphere those games normally generate because we were down, and the people I spoke to afterwards said the same. So I'm looking forward to the opportunity to experience this game for real this weekend.'

Shotton Colliery-born midfielder Tommy Miller is looking forward to his first taste of derby action.

'The derby games are massive for fans of both clubs and it will be a terrific atmosphere this weekend. Obviously, I grew up a Sunderland fan and that makes this game all the more special for me. There is nothing I would like more than to come away with three points on Sunday.'