Newcastle United hoping for Carroll derby return

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Newcastle United need to restore pride, says skipper Kevin Nolan

Newcastle United remain hopeful that striker Andy Carroll will be available for Sunday's derby with Sunderland.

Carroll has missed the last three games with a thigh injury but could make his return at the Stadium of Light.

"If we put him in, and he breaks down again, we could lose him for four or five weeks," Newcastle skipper Nolan told BBC Look North.

"But we want our best players available because, if we do, we feel we can take on any team in the Premier League."

The Liverpool-born midfielder was a hat-trick hero in the last derby game, the 5-1 win at St James' Park in October.

And, having made his debut against Sunderland in a 1-1 draw in February 2009, Nolan is now set to feature in his third match between the two north east rivals since his arrival from Bolton.

Everywhere I've gone, it's all about Sunderland Newcastle skipper Kevin Nolan

"I didn't really get it until after the last derby how much it did mean," said Nolan.

"I made my debut in my first derby, but I was stuck in a hotel at that time and I was back and forth with my family," Nolan added.

"Now that I'm settled in the north east, and we love it up here, it's just amazing how much they talk about it.

"Everywhere I've gone, it's all about Sunderland.

"I've had people telling me to repeat the performance, so no pressure for me, but I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully I can."