The Black Cats suffered many disappointments during their 15-point plunge from the top flight, but none more difficult to stomach than the 4-1 home derby loss to Newcastle.

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It gave the Magpies their third straight derby win on Wearside and left Sunderland's faithful with precious little pride.

Nosworthy said: "It was a very bad day at the office, one of many that season.

"We knew we were relegated but we knew also that we could get a bit of pride back for our fans if we got a result in that game.

"We got our noses in front but then Newcastle obviously came back to get their win.

"I know I'm a London boy, but I've been up here long enough now to know what this game means to Sunderland supporters and we'll be doing everything possible to put things right for them on Saturday."

The Wear-Tyne combatants both come into the derby on the back of a defeat, Newcastle having gone down 4-1 at home to Portsmouth while Sunderland narrowly lost Monday's visit to Manchester City by the only goal of the game.

The Black Cats set their stall out to be solid at City having kept only one clean sheet all season but were caught out by a second half sucker punch.

Nosworthy said: "It was another game we have thrown away.

"We must sound like broken records repeating ourselves because we are doing pretty well in most games but giving away silly goals because of mistakes.

"I could have defended better for the City goal and we should have just dealt with it. We need to start defending better as a team and things need to change quickly."

Nosworthy played at right-back for the first time in 11 months on Monday, but is likely to switch back to central defence now that Paul McShane is available again after a three-match ban.

Nosworthy added: "I've no problem at right back because I've got a lot
of experience there but we'll see what the gaffer decides for Saturday."