Mitrovic keeping cool for derby

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic insists he will not let Sunderland provoke him in Sunday’s crucial derby clash at the Stadium of Light.

The 21-year-old has already been urged to curb his temper by head coach Steve McClaren after receiving a red card just 16 minutes into a game against Arsenal in August.

Mitrovic has also racked up a combined five bookings for his club and Serbia at international level since the start of the season.

The former Anderlecht player has scored in each of his last two Premier League games and knows passion is required as a Newcastle look to end a run of five straight defeats to Sunderland.

“I want to stay on the level,” Mitrovic said to the club’s official website. 

“I know they will try to provoke me, but I will keep my head strong and try to score goals and help my team-mates.

“There will be a lot of passion at the next game, but I do not want to make the same mistake that I did against Arsenal and do something stupid.

“It is a derby. I am only 21 but I have played in a lot of big derbies, big games, and I can say I know how to play these games and score goals in them. 

“I hope I will continue with my goals and score in my first game against Sunderland.”

Following their 6-2 win over Norwich City last week, Newcastle are three points clear of winless bottom club Sunderland in the table.