Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique insists he knows the importance of victory over Sunderland today.

Valencia-born Enrique said: "It's a huge game for me and for the whole city of Newcastle.

"I didn't need to be told how big it was - I know from last season how big this game is, and what it means for the Geordie people. Last year is a typical example - because after the game, I had to wait in the stadium for nearly two hours when the fans went crazy in the city afterwards.

"For these people, that shows how important it is. It's exactly like the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in La Liga. I would say it is almost an equivalent in England - because the whole city will wait to see what the result is, and it affects people's lives."