Sunderland's rivalry with Newcastle United is one steeped in English football tradition and for Magpies winger Victor Fernandez, the prospect of his first taste of the Wear-Tyne derby on Wednesday gives him extra motivation.
The 19-year-old, who signed from Spanish side Cornella last season, is hoping to feature for Newcastle in this week's Premier League International Cup quarter-final tie with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, which kicks-off at 19:00 GMT.
There is a semi-final tie with champions Porto at stake, and even though he is a relative newcomer to the North East, Fernandez knows how much this match means to the club and its fans.
Fernandez (pictured) told Newcastle's official website: "It would be the first time I have played against Sunderland and I know about the rivalry that Newcastle and Sunderland have.
"It will be a tough game. All the lads say that it's going to be a big game, so we must win.
"These games against Sunderland are so big, and the fans know all about the rivalry. It will be an extra thing for us and it would be a great game to play in."
