Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has claimed that the players are working overtime to reclaim the bragging rights in the Tyne-Wear derby.

The Geordies will travel to Stadium of Light for the all-important derby clash with Sunderland on Sunday having failed to register a win against their local rivals in the past six meetings.

Speaking to the club's official website, Perez said: "I know a derby is a special game for the team and the fans.

"It's a different game, a game that the players love to play.

"The derbies are for the fans. We want to make our fans proud of the team.

"The best thing after the derby would be to see the kids wearing their Newcastle jerseys at school with pride.

"That's what we want and we are going to fight to get it."

"In the first derby, I realised the importance of the match here in the region and I loved the atmosphere at St James'."

Earlier this season, Sunderland defeated Newcastle 1-0 at St. James' Park with Adam Johnson netting a late winner for the Wearsiders.