Mackem Will Get Physical With Toon Defenders

The 27-year-old has found goals hard to come by in the Barclays Premiership since joining from Sheffield United, but has provided a focal point for his side and roughed up a few defenders in the process.

Gray knows the Magpies have conceded only two in their last five league games, but is equally aware that central defence is not their strongest suit despite the £8million addition of Frenchman Jean-Alain Boumsong.

And he is promising the former Rangers defender and team-mate Steven Taylor a physical contest as he attempts to pave the way for another famous derby victory for the Black Cats.

"You've got to put yourself about, especially in this league," he said.

"You've got to try to give everything you have in a physical way as well because you are playing against world-class players and you have got to try to upset them a little bit.

"Obviously, they are not going to like what you are doing to them and are going to give you a bit back, but it's all part of the game.

"But after a game, you come off and you feel a few bruises and a few bangs.

"It's always been part of games. As a striker you get kicked and kneed in the back and headed in the back of the head - it's all part of the game."

After losing their first five Premiership games on their return to the top flight, Sunderland put together a run of three without defeat, including a derby win at Middlesbrough, to increase optimism they can survive in the top flight.

Even in last Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by Manchester United they put up a good fight and might have levelled it at 2-2 had it not been for a fine save from Edwin van der Sar.

Manager Mick McCarthy, with the notable exception of Charlton's 3-1 win on Wearside on the opening day of the season, has been largely delighted with their performances, and is confident they can make a fist of it.

"If you were to go back and look at the tapes of all our games, I think you would see an increased belief, maybe, or certainly improved performances, gradually getting better and better, so judge it on the performances," he said.

"The spirit and the atmosphere around the place was good when we had lost five on the bounce, but it certainly helps when you start picking points up, but picking points up and playing as well as we have done."

McCarthy will definitely be without influential holding midfielder Christian Bassila at St James' Park because of a hamstring injury, while Julio Arca remains a major doubt with a cracked toe.