Emre has a 100% record in derbies against Middlesbrough (Getty)

The Turkish international has figured in the Tyne-Tees and Tyne-Wear derbies and knows just how important the games are to the fans.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I play [against] Sunderland and Middlesbrough but I don't lose yet. I hope we win.

"For the supporters this is a special game and we have to concentrate well."

Interview: Newcastle United midfielder Emre

We have to think positive Newcastle midfielder Emre

Newcastle's recent form has seen them trickle down the table and, with two points separating the Toon from their rivals on Teesside, Sunday's game has taken on an extra edge.

Emre said: "We need three points because for the players it's a difficult time and everybody wants to show something to the manager.

"We have to think positive every time, we have a big derby, they're only two points behind us.

The 27-year-old playmaker has played more than 50 games for Newcastle, but injuries and loss of form have kept him out of the side.

However he believes the arrival of new manager Kevin Keegan has given everyone at the club a new lease of life, particularly in training.

"We work with the ball a lot of the time, we have a tournament between young players and old players.