Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor admits he's no fan of Sunderland.

Taylor knows how every member of the Toon Army will be feeling.

So would the former England Under-21 defender ever consider signing for the enemy?

He said: "I would rather collect stamps than stick on that shirt! I have not got any friends who are Sunderland fans. As for the players, I am friendly with one or two of them from the Under-21s but that was before they signed for Sunderland.

"Nobody needs to tell me how much these games mean. Form goes out of the window. You have to start well, that is the main thing with us this season. We have not started games well. That is vital in the local derby.

"I am really excited. Before the game against Manchester United a couple of weeks back everyone was talking about that one.

"But I was only thinking about the Sunderland game. I am nervous, and I will be until I get into the tunnel. Then I can't wait to get on the pitch.

"Is it the most passionate in the country? Put it this way, when I am warming up, their fans have the veins popping out of their necks shouting at me.

"It is like I have done something to their family!

"I have always enjoyed that hostility. They can say what they want, it won't get to me."