By Craig Hope

THEY may have been born 15 years and more than 1000 miles apart, but Steve Harper and Tamas Kadar share one birthday wish this weekend - victory in the Tyne-Tees derby.

Harper, born on March 14, 1975 in the County Durham mining village of Easington, and Kadar, who entered the world on the same day in 1990 in the picturesque city of Veszprém in western Hungary, clock up their 35th and 20th anniversaries respectively this Sunday.

And, as the pair told nufc.co.uk, they're hoping for an early birthday gift at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

"You tend not to shout about birthdays at my age," laughed Harper, "But when they fall close to a game you're always hoping you can celebrate it with a win.

"I know the rivalry that exists between these two sides being from the North East and I know how much a win means to both sets of supporters.

"But we need the three points to keep up the pace at the top because we can't afford to take our foot off the pedal.

"We're confident after recent results and we definitely go there looking to get the victory."

Kadar, meanwhile, is on standby for a starting call should Chris Hughton choose not to risk Jose Enrique after his return to full training on Thursday.

And the young Magyar says he is ready should he be given the derby nod.

"I'm ready again if I play against Middlesbrough," said the Hungary Under-21 defender who replaced Enrique during the first half of last weekend's 6-1 thrashing of Barnsley.

"To be involved during last weekend's win against Barnsley was amazing.

"I would love to start on Saturday because it is another huge game and I feel confident after last weekend.

"Also, it is my birthday on Sunday so it would be perfect to play and win at Middlesbrough."