Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner is looking forward to the derby with Newcastle United.

Sunderland suffered the disappointment of losing 1-0 to their arch-rivals on Wearside in August, and revenge will be very much on their minds at a stadium where they were routed 5-1 last season.

Gardner said: "August's derby was the second game of the season and for some of the lads, it was only our second game properly together. We were unlucky not to win the game - it could have gone either way.

"There is a third of the season left and we are sky-high in confidence. Newcastle will be sky-high in confidence too, so let's have it!"