DICK ADVOCAAT is confident his Sunderland players will not freeze in the heat of derby battle as they attempt to record a fifth successive victory over Newcastle United this weekend.

The Black Cats entertain their greatest rivals from a position of some peril, and will be inside in the bottom three at kick-off if Burnley beat Tottenham in the early kick off on Sunday afternoon.

They have failed to win any of their last seven league matches, but their recent derby record should provide some solace, with December’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park having secured a record-breaking fourth successive win over Newcastle.

The 1-0 defeat at West Ham United in Advocaat’s first game in charge featured signs of an improvement, and having worked with his players on the training pitch earlier this morning, the Dutchman is confident they are ready for the unique challenges of a derby encounter.

Advocaat said: “Everybody was back on Thursday and they looked sharp. I think they know exactly what they have to do on Sunday.

“It’s a special game and very important. The most important thing is that we show the crowd we want to win and get them behind us. It is very important for them to support us, and that can be a key factor.

“We all know important this is and it’s a special moment for everybody - but it’s about getting the result we need.”

Lee Cattermole will return to Sunderland’s starting line-up after a two-match suspension, but there will be no place for Wes Brown, who is facing up to a month on the sidelines after damaging his knee.

Advocaat said: “It’s difficult to say how long it will take, but it will be at least three weeks.”