McClaren speaks ahead of St. James' return

And, with the game already sold out, the former Magpies boss has warned his players to expect an "intimidating" atmosphere on Tyneside.

Derby have been in good form since McClaren replaced Nigel Pearson in October and have emerged as genuine promotion contenders after a slow start to the campaign.

They have won their last two league games either side of an Emirates FA Cup draw against Premier League champions Leicester.

At Ipswich on Tuesday, the Rams were 2-0 inside the opening 12 minutes and McClaren told RamsTV: "We need the same again and we have spoken to the players and explained that’s how you start games and win. 

"We have to go and do the same against Newcastle, a side in the top two and favourites to go up and rightly so."

He added: "They have massive support at Newcastle and they are fanatics. It’s like a religion, it really is. 

"The expectation is there and it's a big shirt to wear; you have to have a certain mentality and be a certain character and player to be able to handle that.

"I know that all of the players want to go to places like this and play their football. 

"Of course, we want to do it in the Premier League. On Saturday we will play in front of a huge crowd in a big ground and be in action before an atmosphere which could be intimidating. 

"It will be a taste of what we want in the future, as it was against West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City in the FA Cup. We handled both occasions really well. 

"We have to handle what comes with Saturday. We have to believe and have the confidence we can win. 

"We want to go up there, show great courage and attitude to do our work. 

"We need to play our game, be professional and do the job. This weekend is a real test of character for us."