SUNDERLAND midfielder Craig Gardner insists he is relishing the prospect of walking out into the “hostile” atmosphere at St James’ Park and believes there will be fireworks when Martin O’Neill’s men take on Newcastle United.

The rivals meet on Sunday with Sunderland desperate to record their first win on Tyneside since November 2000.

Gardner was a second-half substitute at the Stadium of Light last August when Newcastle won 1-0 and, having only arrived on Wearside weeks before, he is set to taste the St James’ Park derby atmosphere for the first time.

The 25-year-old is no stranger to the derby experience having played for both Aston Villa and Birmingham City and he admits he can’t wait to walk out to an expected hostile reception on Tyneside.

“I’ve been at Blues and at Villa and played in derbies for both teams,” Gardner said.

“I know how much it means to the local fans. I’ve got a few Sunderland mates up here already and they’re saying, ‘Do anything, just make sure you win the game’.

“It’s a massive game, a massive occasion and as players we need to play the game and not the occasion.

“When I was younger I got nervous, but as I got older I got used to it. It’s given me the ability to block the whole experience out and concentrate on the game.

“You get giddy coming up to it, but once that whistle goes you need to be professional and play the game.

“It’s going to be a good game, there’s going to be some fireworks but I think the best team on the day will be the one that’s the most controlled and hopefully that’s going to be us.

“People told me how big Sunderland v Newcastle was.

It was big at Sunderland, but people say it’s more hostile at Newcastle. I’m yet to witness it, but I can’t wait to be honest.”

The Black Cats suffered their heaviest defeat of the season at West Brom last weekend.

Gardner admits the squad held a dressing room inquest in the aftermath of the 4-0 defeat, but reveals O’Neill will be on hand to make sure everyone is ready for Sunday.

“We’ve had a chat and spoke in the changing room after the West Brom game and we know what went wrong," he said.

“We’ll speak at the end of the week too and this is where the gaffer’s qualities come out. He’s an unbelievable talker, he knows how to get the best out of his players and so does his staff.

“The gaffer’s always in our ear. He’s probably one of the best managers about at the minute.”