Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew admits chatting with Jak Alnwick ahead of the derby with Sunderland.

Pardew is well aware of the exposure and expectancy surrounding the young keeper, who has been passed fit following his shoulder scare.

"I have certainly had a chat with him," said Pardew.

"I would have done that if he hadn't made a mistake because I think it's important to talk to young players when they are going into the first team.

"I think he was unlucky with his mistake because he got punished severely with it.

"You can get away with that sometimes, and I have played with much better goalies than Jak, without being disrespectful to him, who have got away with it.

"He was apologetic about the mistake, as you would imagine, but I said to him it's important not to be apologetic, it's gone.

"He's a local boy, he wants to make amends today in terms of a real performance, and all my squad and my staff will be wishing that happens."