Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole is hopeful that he will leave the pitch with better memories of the Tyne-Wear derby than he has in his last two games at St James' Park.

The Black Cats have won their last two matches at the ground of Newcastle United by a 3-0 margin, but Cattermole missed both of his side's triumphs.

The 26-year-old was sent off in his previous appearance on Tyneside for arguing with referee Mike Dean following his decision to dismiss Stephane Sessegnon in 2012, while he was part of the Sunderland team that was hammered 5-1 by the Magpies in 2010.

Cattermole told reporters: "In my time with Sunderland, when we went back to Newcastle after the 5-1, we had to make sure the first thing we did was turn up.

"I remember Cheick Tiote made a meal of a challenge when Sessegnon was sent off and I got frustrated with that. That's the point I was making to the referee at the end. It was a really harsh sending-off.

"There's a bit of a rough reception and that's nice. It's a big game and you have to enjoy it."

Sunderland are aiming to win their fourth straight game against Alan Pardew's men on Sunday afternoon.