Ndiweni out for redemption in Tyne-Wear derby

The young Magpies travel to the Academy of Light (kick-off 1pm GMT) aiming to end a four game winless streak in Division Two and were held to a 1-1 draw against their Black Cats counterparts at St. James' Park in October.

Ndiweni, who signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club last summer, admitted the squad ought to have recorded maximum points, as Sunderland goalkeeper Alex Bass netted a stoppage-time equaliser despite handling the ball into the net from a late corner, and is determined to prevail on Wearside.

The Throckley-born striker told nufc.co.uk: "It's a big game. At the start of the season, you look for when you're facing Sunderland and nobody needs to be extra motivated for a derby. We're all really looking forward to it.

"We felt hard done by in the last fixture against them and thought we deserved to win the game so we'll be out for redemption next time around.

"When we last faced them, they had a few first team players in their team. It's going to be a tough test but we look forward to that test and we'll aim to come out on top.

"We always let the lads who join from outside Newcastle know Sunderland is a big game and it's a must-win on the calendar no matter what. Fans look forward to this game because of the rivalry."

Newcastle's second-string currently occupy eighth spot in Division Two, six points adrift of the play-off spots, and Ndiweni emphasised the importance of continuing their push for the play-offs as well as prevailing against their local neighbours. 

The teenage forward, who has netted three goals at under-21 level so far this term, is determined to add to his tally ahead of facing the Tyne-Wear derby encounter.

The 19-year-old, who joined United's Academy at the age of 12, added: "Since we were young, and as Newcastle fans like most of the squad are, the biggest game is always the Sunderland one.

"The first team haven't really had a chance to play them in quite a while so this is our opportunity to try and beat Sunderland, our local rivals, which would mean everything.

"It's a good chance to build momentum towards the end of the season. As well as it being a derby game, it's a really important one to get the ball rolling towards attempting to reach the play-offs.

"To score in one of the Tyne-Wear derbies is one of the main achievements for the season, trying to score and contribute towards, hopefully, getting a win."