Langley looking forward to Sunderland showdown

The young Magpies make the short trip to Wearside as they bid to come out on top against their local rivals in the Premier League 2 as well as maintaining their push for the Division Two play-off spots.

Langley, who made his first-team debut for the Magpies during pre-season against York City in July, admitted the fiercely-contested fixture is a one all members of the squad are highly relishing.

"There's always a buzz around the game with it being a derby," the 20-year-old goalkeeper told nufc.co.uk. "There's quite a few local lads in the team who know how much it means to play against Sunderland. We're all making sure the new lads know how much more this game means for the people in the city.

"This game ranks right up there in terms of our season. You look at the fixture list when it comes out and you're looking for when you play Sunderland. It's such a massive fixture and now that it's around the corner, we need to make sure we are all focussed and ready for it.

"Whenever you come up against Sunderland, putting on the black and white shirt, there's only one thing on your mind and that's making sure you don't get beat and ultimately beating them. 

"It's such a big rivalry and such an important game for us, as players and fans, where we know we need to get one up on them. We'll go into it trying to keep our heads and making sure we come out on top.

"Playing at their stadium makes it all the better. It's quite a large one and it'll be good to go there and try to get three points."

Despite a winless run in September, United's second-string have since netted 11 goals in their last four competitive matches this month as they aim to secure back-to-back league wins, following a 4-1 win over Middlesbrough at St. James' Park.

Langley, who put pen to paper on a two-year extension with his boyhood club in March, is hopeful his side can continue their bright form in front of goal ahead of facing their Black Cats counterparts.

"The boys are always confident in scoring goals and doing well going forward," the 6ft 7ins shot-stopper added. "We've got a lot of talented players in the squad and when we play well, we can beat anyone on our day. 

"Building up to it, you may get that extra bit of nerves and anticipation but as soon as you get on the pitch and the whistle goes, you have to forget everything and just play your game, trust your own ability, and know that you leave 100 per cent out there. 

"You know as soon as you're in the warm-up what you're getting yourself into. All the lads are up for it, you've got to be. When you come and play for Newcastle, you're told straight away how big the derby is with Sunderland so we're aware of it and hope to put on a strong performance."

Sales for Monday's Premier League 2 clash at Sunderland must be in-person or booked via telephone by calling 0344 372 1892. 

Tickets, which are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, under-16s and over-65s, must be collected from the Box Office at St. James' Park prior to 5pm on Monday, 18th October.

Please note no tickets will be posted. 

There will also be no sales on the night and no entry will be permitted without a pre-purchased ticket.