Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell has revealed that he is eagerly anticipating his side's Wear-Tyne derby clash with Newcastle United next week.

The Black Cats are on a seven-match winless run in the top flight and have won just once in the Premier League since they defeated their bitter rivals 1-0 at St James' Park in December.

Rodwell is adamant that his side need to feed off the atmosphere of the occasion to get back to winning ways and to put distance between themselves and relegation zone.

"It's been a really positive week in training," Rodwell told the club's official website. "We're all really looking forward to the Wear-Tyne derby especially after the last one at St James' Park, but it is also my first derby at the Stadium of Light so hopefully we can have a great game.

"There is a real buzz about the game and it is the first one you look for when the fixtures come out, I'm sure that like us the fans are really excited so we need to make sure we put in a good performance and get the win."

Sunderland are just one point clear of the relegation zone with eight games to play this season.