Rafa Benitez feels Aleksandar Mitrovic can be Newcastle United's hero this season.

The Serbian striker scored an 83rd-minute equaliser in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with a strong header from Gini Wijnaldum's stand-up cross and although it was just his sixth league goal of the season, Magpies interim boss Benitez believes he can provide more of the same in the final eight games of the north east club's relegation battle.

"I said before that he has the potential," the Spaniard said.

"We have to help him a little bit with better crosses, better deliveries and support and get closer to him, but he will score goals if we can do that."

Newcastle remain second bottom on the Premier League table in the wake of the 1-1 draw with the Black Cats who are one point ahead in 18th.