Watch Eddie Howe's brilliant press conference ahead of Sunderland clash - "We are ready"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD80wxB-qtg&ab_channel=NewcastleUnited

Speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow's Tyne and Wear derby, Eddie Howe was typically positive, focused and determined, describing the early kick-off on Wearside as our next big opportunity to "turn our form around" and "spark out season into life", backing us to deliver a good performance and reassuring fans that his players are fully aware of its importance.

The boss also revealed that "a couple of Geordies" in the group were given the opportunity to "set the scene" ahead of Saturday's Tyne and Wear derby at Sunderland.

For some in the squad, this will be their first taste of our local derby, so it seems the likes of Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, Paul Dummett and Mark Gillespie wasted no time explaining what it means to everyone on Tyneside.

"We are ready" was the message, with the boss refusing to underestimate the challenge against a Sunderland side "full of bright prospects." He also took questions about transfers, injuries, Shola Ameobi, his thoughts on the derby itself and the enormity of the game, based on the rivalry and our recent form.

Here's what he had to say, starting with his message ahead of the game:

"Our next game is an next opportunity to turn our form around. We are very much focusing on our performance and trying to deliver the best account of ourselves we can. It is our opportunity to progress in the cup competition. We have to individually be at our best levels."

"I am expecting a good performance from us, we are ready. We know what this fixture means to everyone. We know the importance of this fixture. The players know what it means. For us it is important that we get back to winning ways."

Howe on the Geordie influence within the camp:

"When the draw was made, I gave a couple of Geordies the opportunity to speak about it to set the scene.

"Behind the scenes they've played a role. The players know much it means to everybody. Sometimes you can overkill that, so it's been a case of how we're going to play, how we're going to execute what we need to do.

"You need that (people who understand the club) within your team. I would always prefer to have a sprinkling of players who have come through the youth system and who know the expectations of the club. We have some great characters who have been here a long time. They really are the core of the club and we're really pleased to have them."

Howe on Sunderland: