Derby County's Geordie striker Steve Howard will see his dreams come true today when he runs out at St James' Park against Newcastle United.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I had a season ticket at St James's Park for years and loved watching the likes of Peter Beardsley, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer.

"But after starting off with Tow Law, I spent most of my career in the lower leagues with Hartlepool, Northampton and Luton Town, and I have never had the chance to play at Newcastle.

"Obviously when Derby were promoted the first thing I looked for when the fixtures came out was when would we be playing at St James's Park.

"Well it's Sunday, and while it has been a long wait, I hope to make it worthwhile in front of all my family.

"I only had two ambitions in the whole of my career.

"One was to play at Wembley, which I achieved in the play-off final against West Brom at the end of last season.

"The other dream was to run out at St James's Park.

"And while I didn't score at Wembley, I would love to do just that at Newcastle on Sunday.

"After all, I scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford in our last away match, so why not against Newcastle at St James's Park?"