Neave seeking Sunderland success | OneFootball

Black and white versus red and white. Tyneside versus Wearside. Magpies versus Black Cats. The league contest at the Academy of Light (kick-off 1pm GMT) needs no introduction for Sean Neave, a boyhood Newcastle supporter who joined the club's Academy as a 13-year-old.

"It's a big game for the lads, a local derby, so everyone wants to get a good result against Sunderland," the Winlaton-born forward told newcastleunited.com. "Nobody wants to be on the losing side. I've supported Newcastle my whole life so you don't like Sunderland. Getting a win against them would be big because of it being a derby.

"The lads who have joined the club from different areas know the importance of this fixture. It's one of the biggest derbies in world football. They understand it and know they have to turn up, knowing we cannot take a defeat.

"We need to push on in the second half of the season to get the results we need because I know we can do it. We need to be confident and, hopefully, we can finish high up in the league."

Named on the bench for a handful of Premier League fixtures last month, it is clear Neave revealed he has benefited from his involvement at senior level.

A first-team debutant for his hometown club during last summer's pre-season friendly against Celtic FC, a professional bow remains in sight for the England Under-18 international, one goal shy of ten strikes in all competitions for Newcastle's second-string.

He added: "Being around the first-team is always going to give you an opportunity to learn and it's important to be more comfortable around them, taking lessons from them and what their routines are.

"It has helped me over the Christmas period. The games and experiences have been top and I've been trying to grab those opportunities with two hands. Hopefully, I can push on for the rest of the season and get more opportunities.

"I started the season off playing as a striker and after a few injuries, I filled in as a number ten but I still enjoy playing there.

"I have scored a few goals from that position and, hopefully, I can push on again in the second half of the season, finishing with more goals and wins for the team.

"It can be really hard to score in midfield. Bruno (Guimarães) has done that this season, scoring eight league goals so far, and has shown it can be done. I feel it is my second position. I do feel comfortable and don't think I'm out of position which is good for my progression."