Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has credited his players for their character during Sunday's hard-fought 2-0 derby win against Sunderland.

"Credit to the players, we never ever played well against Sunderland," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"If you take the level of performance, I could have taken four or five players off at half-time.

"It's the character. Geremi and Joey Barton gave the ball away but they didn't hide, they try again."

Keegan, who has enjoyed the reception of supporters as a player and manager, was also impressed with the Magpies fans, who turned out in force for the 148th Tyne-Wear derby.

They've had a tough time this year, win them over and then you get a atmosphere like that Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan

"If you get results here, the fans come here behind you. If you don't, you have to win them over and that's what this group of players have done," he said.

"They've had a tough time this year. Win them over and then you get a atmosphere like that.

"A lot of the players were saying 'Wow, we've never expected anything like that' and I said you'll get that every week if you wear the shirt with pride."