Sunderland legend Charlie Hurley has admitted he is a big fan of striker Kenwnye Jones ahead of Saturday's visit of Newcastle United.
Jones, 24, could make a first-team return from injury in the opening Tyne-Wear derby of the season and Hurley believes Jones' presence could be key.
"I would have found Kenwyne a real handful, he's fantastic in the air," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"You lose that little bit without him and he can play a bit too."
Between 1957 and 1969 Hurley, now 72, became a fans favourite at Sunderland with his efforts as a tough, uncompromising centre-half.
That affection was demonstrated during the club's centenary celebrations in 1979 when 'The King' as he was known around Roker Park was voted as the club's 'Player of the Century'.
And Hurley, who also figured for Millwall and Bolton during his 18-year career, confessed his passions have always lain with Sunderland since his time on Wearside.
"The Sunderland fans are my friends and it doesn't matter if it's bad or good, watching Sunderland always makes me tense," he said.
"If we get a result then it makes my day, I'll have a few drinks."
Saturday's derby comes just months after the Wearsiders were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at St James' Park in last season's encounter.
Having figured in 10 derbies, the most notable a 3-0 win at Roker Park in April 1962, Hurley is adamant that matches between Sunderland and Newcastle are the most passionate in football.
"You cannot beat a better derby than Newcastle and Sunderland," he said.
"I used to be up for every game but there was a certain magic about playing against Newcastle and the fans depended on your so much to get a result.
"Middlesbrough, Newcastle - games against Middlesbrough don't come into the same street as this."
Supporters continue to make derbies between Sunderland and Newcastle as explosive and spectacular an experience as any football match in the world.
However, Hurley can recall a time when the fans were closer to the players and helped give them a boost ahead of the game.
"We used to go to the Roker Park Hotel, have our lunch, then we'd walk down to the ground and the fans would walk with us.
"They'd chat with us, they'd say: 'Come on Charlie, you've got to beat these!'
"They didn't mess about, and they didn't have to tell us, but by the time we got to the ground they'd wound you up to not get beaten."
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk