Chopra desperate to play in derby

Chopra has played for both clubs in the Tyne-Wear derby

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra says he is "desperate" to play in Saturday's derby with Newcastle United.

Chopra, 24, began his career with Newcastle before joining Sunderland via a spell at Cardiff, and he holds says he feels let down by his boyhood club.

"If there's anyone at the football club who wants to play on Saturday, then it's me," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I'm desperate to play against a team that didn't treat me right and I'll be desperate to get a goal."

Having grown up as a Newcastle fan in the North East, and played in Tyne-Wear derbies for both sides, Chopra is fully aware of the significance of the fixture to people in both cities.

And the England under-21 international has been attempting to instil that same passion in other members of the squad.

"Me and Grant Leadbitter have been sharing a bit of banter, because he's a Sunderland fan and I'm a Newcastle fan," he said.

"We're starting to drill it into the players, a lot of the new lads that have come in - we're starting to tell them how much it means to the fans.

"It's been so many years since we last beat them, but hopefully we can change that on Saturday."