Alan Pardew hails "impeccable" Jack Colback ahead of Tyne-Wear derby

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has backed the "impeccable" Jack Colback to impress against former club Sunderland in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby.

The 25-year-old made the controversial switch to St James' Park by signing on a Bosman in the summer, and Pardew cannot wait to see how the midfielder plays against his old teammates.

"Jack Colback's been fantastic since he's been here," he told reporters. "His conduct has been impeccable and I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

"It's a great occasion and the best players respond to that. It's the sort of atmosphere you want to play in. We're looking forward to it.

"I hope we can put on a show which is fitting of the occasion, that the best team wins and the fans conduct themselves with class. We're in a great position in the league and if we win we take ourselves right in amongst the top six again."

The Magpies sit eighth in the Premier League table, seven places above Gus Poyet's side in 15th.