REGIS LE BRIS echoed the claims of Sunderland’s supporters that it’s not a derby – despite an expected full-house set to attend the clash with Middlesbrough.
His Black Cats are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season after the 3-2 loss at Plymouth when they host their North East rivals from 31 miles down the A19 tomorrow.
Over 42,000 tickets had been sold by Friday morning and it looks set to be the biggest crowd at the Stadium of Light since 44,814 attended January’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle.
However, even though there is a huge clamour for tickets, Le Bris went on the wind-up to the visitors by claiming no-one at Sunderland views the Wear-Tees showdown as a real derby.
The Frenchman, who took charge in June, said: “The most important derby from my knowledge is Newcastle.
“Middlesbrough is an interesting fixture but I am not sure for the fans that we play a specific derby this Saturday.”
Although he did acknowledge that he is expecting a stern test from Geordie boy Michael Carrick’s Boro, who are tenth with eight points from their first five games.
Le Bris said: “It will be an interesting game with a different style.
“They are a well-organised side, in and out of possession, with specific attention in the way of building the game.
“We will have specific attention on many details and it will be interesting for us to solve that problem.”
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Meanwhile, Le Bris has received a huge boost on the injury front as Dan Ballard is expected to be involved after his scare at Plymouth.
He left Home Park on crutches and with his foot in a protective boot but the Frenchman claims that was only a precaution.
Ballard looks set to start but Irish midfielder Alan Browne is out due to a minor knee issue.
Le Bris added: “Ballard should be OK for this weekend and for Browney we need at least one week more to be available.”
