STEVEN Fletcher admits he is desperate to be part of Sunday’s Tyne and Wear derby after missing Sunderland’s back-to-back wins at St James’ Park.

The Black Cats have won their last three matches against Newcastle United, including consecutive 3-0 victories on Tyneside.

Fletcher was absent from both games – the first under Paolo Di Canio, the second under Gus Poyet – through injury, but despite struggling with niggles in recent weeks the striker insists he is fully fit to start if he is called upon.

The Scotland international started the games against Liverpool and West Ham on the bench after picking up a knock in the defeat to Manchester City, but with Jozy Altidore yet to break his scoring duck in the league Poyet is likely to bring Fletcher back into the side on Sunday.

And having missed the euphoria of their last two trips to St James’ Park, the striker hopes he can play a part in guiding Sunderland to more derby delight.

“I missed both 3-0 wins through injury so I want to be involved next week,” Fletcher said. “I’m looking forward to going there. I think I’ve only played there once before for Wolves so it should be a good atmosphere.

“I had a little niggle after the Man City game so I missed the Liverpool game, which was disappointing, but I got on against West Ham and I feel fully fit now.

“We’re used to these situations. The fans look forward to this, it’s the one they look out for when the fixtures come out. We’ll be prepared.

“We’ve got a good record, but they’ve also picked up a bit of form so it should be a good game.

“Every away game for us the pressure is off and this is no different. We’ll prepare for it like any other game. There’s no point putting extra pressure on ourselves because that won’t help. We’ll prepare right.”

Fletcher opened the scoring when the Wearsiders won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in October 2013 and the 27-year-old admits his fifth minute goal is still one of his best moments.

He said: “Scoring against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light is definitely the highlight of my Sunderland career so far.

“It was a great moment. I don’t think I’d scored for a while when I did so I was a bit emotional.”

Sunderland will have to put their scoring problems behind them in order to claim another derby victory.

While they haven’t had any trouble in front of goal against Newcastle recently, the Black Cats are struggling to find their feet in the Premier League this season with Aston Villa and Burnley the only teams to have scored less.

Poyet’s side have failed to find the net in half their matches, but Fletcher believes there are positives to take from the way the team has played so far.

“The gaffer is very good tactically. He puts his point across on the training ground and the boys have adapted to that very well.

“You can see we are passing the ball a lot better than we have done this season.”

The Black Cats will be backed by another sold-out away allocation at Newcastle and owner Ellis Short has praised supporters for their dedication.

“The festive period is very busy in football,” the American businessman said.

“The frequency of games in such a short space of time provides a significant challenge to teams. It also provides a challenge for supporters.

“Christmas is an expensive time and that makes it all the more incredible to see our attendances increasing, both here at the Stadium of Light and at away games.

“Every time I see a sold out away end or a loud, vibrant and passionate big home crowd I feel tremendous pride in our club; thank you for the amazing support you give us.”