Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has said that he hopes recent success against Newcastle United can inspire his side to victory in next week's Tyne-Wear derby.

The Black Cats have won their previous four games against the Magpies, and Defoe believes that home support will be crucial to the outcome.

He told reporters: "It's four victories in a row for us and hopefully that will continue. It's a game we can win. The lads have been unbelievable in the last few matches against Newcastle.

"The boys have told me there's nothing quite like this game. It's a fixture for the fans and it's a massive game for everyone involved with the football club. It's going to be a difficult one of course, but with us being at home we will have the fans right behind us."

Adam Johnson scored a last-minute winner for Sunderland away at Newcastle in December.

Written by
Charlie Bennett