For Sunderland born Alan Tate next week's trip to Newcastle will be a bit special - to use his own words

The Swansea City defender will be part of the team that takes on Newcastle at the madly names sportsdirect.com @ St James Park Stadium next weekend.

And as a Sunderland fan he knows the game will have that extra special feeling although he admits that hhis time in South Wales has meant that Cardiff are now the team he wants to beat most.

"I'm a Sunderland fan so playing Newcastle is going to be a bit special for me" Tate said

"When I was growing up I dreamed of going to St James' Park and beating the Magpies.

"It would still be nice to beat them but I don't have a problem with Newcastle any more.  In fact I want all the clubs in the region - Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington - to do well.

"Cardiff are now the team I want to beat most.  Winning at St James' Park would be a great feeling but no way would it be better than beating Cardiff.   This is my eighth season with Swansea and I now feel like a local boy.

"The South Wales derby is the big game as far as I'm concerned.   Winning that was a fantastic feeling - the best of my career so far."

Photo: Action Images

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