Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia refuses to accept Newcastle United's troubles will make today's derby easy.

Sbragia takes his side to St James' Park looking to complete a first league double over the old enemy since the 1966/67 season, is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "In general, they've got a good team have Newcastle, they've got a lot of good attacking options.

"Whether they are going through a bad time - I don't think they are.

"They are in there, they are not bottom of the league. They are in the same area as we are, and I think we are doing reasonably well.

"But there is still a lot to play for - there are 15 games to play, so there are a lot of points.

"But it would be nice from our point of view to get something on Sunday.

"I'm not really too concerned about Newcastle's problems, to be honest with you. I have got enough on my own plate here without them.

"I don't know if they have got problems, I don't know what happens there.

"I am only concerned with what happens at Sunderland Football Club and trying to get us moving up that table."