Sunderland captain John O'Shea has admitted that his side have to use the occasion of the Wear-Tyne derby to secure their first win in the Premier League this season.
The Black Cats have recorded victories in their last five matches against their bitter rivals Newcastle United, and O'Shea feels that a similar result against Steve McClaren's men could kickstart their campaign.
"It is a massive game and as players we always look forward to playing our local rivals," O'Shea told the club's official website.
"We've had some positives results against them in recent times and of course we're looking forward that to continue, but more importantly we have to register that first league win of the season and start climbing the table as quickly as possible.
"We would be looking to do that whoever we were facing this weekend, but when you've had the start to the season we have it's important to start picking up points."
Sunderland face Newcastle at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Simon Sinclair
