John Carver eyeing derby revenge against Sunderland

Newcastle United boss John Carver has admitted that Paolo Di Canio's knee slide celebration in the Tyne-Wear derby in 2013 has motivated him to end his side's four-game losing streak against Sunderland. The Black Cats clinched a 3-0 victory over the Tynesiders at St James' Park under Di Canio's tenure, which cued his celebration down the sideline.

Sunderland claimed three further wins over the Magpies under the reign of Gus Poyet, and Carver – who served as Alan Pardew's assistant for all four matches – is determined to get his own back when he takes Newcastle to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

He told reporters: "When Paolo was sliding on his knees, I've never been so agitated in my life. I wanted to take the law into my own hands that day, because of what I was watching our in our stadium.

"It was very, very difficult to take, but you have to take it on the chin and accept it. From that day, that is something that really motivates and drives me to try to get the right result."

Newcastle are 12th in the Premier League ahead of their clash with Dick Advocaat's men.