Sunderland defender Carlos Cuellar has revealed that he has regained full fitness ahead of this weekend's derby encounter against Newcastle United.

The Spanish centre-back made his first outing since the middle of September during Sunderland's 3-0 defeat away at champions Manchester City prior to the international break.

Having admitted that he found it difficult against the Citizens, the 31-year-old believes that he is in better condition for the visit of the Magpies.

"The City game was the first one I played after my injury, but now I've had a bit more time to prepare and I feel great," he told the Northern Echo. "I've got my fitness levels back and we were very disappointed at Manchester City, because after five minutes we were behind.

"We've had the opportunity to watch the mistakes we made in the other game. We're still working and improving and we'll try not to make those mistakes again."

Cuellar joined the Black Cats on a free transfer from Aston Villa this summer.