After enjoying an extended weekend off due to the international break, Newcastle's players returned to the Club's Benton training ground on Tuesday morning to start preparing in earnest for Sunday's derby at Sunderland.

On a chilly day in North Tyneside, a few hats and gloves were on show but most players opted to simply run around a lot in order to warm up.

John Carver led the session, with Alan Pardew, Steve Stone and Andy Woodman also involved, as the lads first worked on crossing and shooting before moving onto possession and small-sided games to blow away any cobwebs.

And they certainly looked sharp ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light. Bringing nufc.co.uk this exclusive gallery is Club Reporter Dan King.