Carlos Edwards says he's fit for Sunderland's derby clash with Newcastle this weekend.

The 29-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international played his first competitive football since August 15 in Tuesday night's 8-0 reserve team demolition of Wolviston as the Durham Challenge Cup provided a chance for him and striker Andy Cole to gain vital match fitness.

And he told the Sunderland Echo: "It was great to get an hour's competitive football under my belt. It felt really good, like I had never been out.

"I have had no reaction to the injury and hopefully that's the way it will be from now until the end of the season.

"Now I just cannot wait to get involved in the first team again.

"I don't know if the Newcastle game will be seen as coming too soon for me, but I'm up for selection as far as I'm concerned, and it is up to the manager whether or not he wants to include me in the squad.

"If I am selected, I feel I am capable of doing a job and I will go out there and give it 100% effort.

"There is no doubt that I do need two or three games before I'm fully match fit again but I do feel I could contribute this weekend if needed, and it is a game I would love to be involved in.

"If not, then I will just accept that decision and wait for the chance to be involved in the fixture second time around."