Sunderland face Newcastle United for the second time this season in March.

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has claimed that he “can’t wait” to “beat” Sunderland when the two bitter rivals face off at St. James’ Park in March.

The Black Cats won the first Wear-Tyne Derby of the campaign back in December, recording a 1-0 victory over their visitors courtesy of a Nick Woltemade own goal. As a consequence, Sunderland’s unbeaten league run over their neighbours now stands at 10 matches.

For his part, Joelinton was an unused substitute at the Stadium of Light, but has vowed that things will be different when the sides meet on Tyneside in the reverse fixture later this year.

What has Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton said about Sunderland?

Reflecting on the derby during an interview with Newcastle’s official match day programme, the Brazilian said: "It still hurts. It's still painful to me and was a sad day, especially not playing, not being on the pitch and [being able to] do something. You never want to lose a derby.

“After so many years, to play them... We just didn't play the way we wanted, so it still hurts and it's going to hurt until the next game, until we beat them. I can't wait for that day. I think a lot about the next game against them and I hope it comes fast."

Addressing his own injury issues in recent times, the 29-year-old added: “It's been frustrating to be away from the team, to be on the bench and not able to play important games that we had. I'm happy to be back today, I know my importance for the team. I know if I'm at my best, I can help the team in different ways. I hope I can be back at my best level in fitness and play my best football to help the team.”

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What did Eddie Howe say about Newcastle United’s derby defeat to Sunderland?

Speaking at the time, Toon boss Eddie Howe issued an apology for his side’s lacklustre showing in the derby. He said: “That is going to sting for a long time, and we know that our performance was off from what we needed it to be today. Not from a defensive perspective, I thought we defended pretty well today and through the game, but there were really few chances for both teams. Unfortunately, one big moment goes against us, and it was a bizarre goal to lose the game with, but it happened and we weren't good enough to open them up.

“Criticism comes with every defeat, but of course, with this one, I think it will be louder and stronger, just because of the game and the importance of the game, and we fully acknowledge that, and that's why it hurts so much. I'm so disappointed for our supporters and sorry for the performance, really, in the sense of the lack of goalmouth action, the lack of clinical attacking, which we've tried to pride ourselves on over recent seasons. It wasn't there today, and for that, we're sorry.”

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