ANDREW COLE'S lack of match fitness has prevented him from making his first appearance in a Sunderland shirt at Middlesbrough this afternoon.

But, having missed out on appearing in his side's first North-East derby of the season, the former Newcastle striker is determined to be involved for the Black Cats' next one.

And when the Magpies pay a visit to the Stadium of Light in November, Cole will be prepared for the hostile reception that will come his way - not that he cares too much.

The 35-year-old striker has never been made welcome on Tyneside since turning his back on Kevin Keegan's men in January 1995 when he joined Premier League title rivals Manchester United.

His reception at St James' Park was not helped when he was caught on camera at the 1996 FA Cup final singing along with Red Devils supporters in an anti-Keegan song.

But, given how he is no longer affected by such a reaction off the pitch, he is eager to put his experiences to good use by helping new team-mate Michael Chopra come to terms with playing for the enemy.

Chopra hasn't made a bad start, scoring two in his first six matches for Sunderland and the Wearside faithful have warmed to the energy and desire he has shown in his performances.

Cole, however, feels the fact Newcastle supporters already hold a grudge against him has helped him to settle into life at his former club's most staunch rivals.

"I am up here every other day and it's a big change from when I was at Newcastle," said Cole.

"But major cities change all of the time.

"I left Newcastle 12 years or so a go, nothing stays the same. I wasn't expecting it to be the same.

"The Sunderland reaction to me might have changed but I would expect that, though. When I left Newcastle I never got a good reception when I went back there.

"Nothing is going to change and it's not a big deal for me. Football is football and that's the most important thing."

Cole - not due back at St James' Park with Sunderland until April 19 - has recovered from a calf injury which has prevented him making his debut, but manager Roy Keane feels next week's visit of Blackburn is a decent fixture to target.

And by the time Newcastle pay a visit to the Stadium of Light on November 10, Cole and Chopra will be competing for the same starting place.

Despite the rivalry, however, the more experienced man wants to aid the £5m striker's determination to make a name for himself in the top-flight.

"I would like to think I could help," he said.

"I have not seen a lot of Michael play but if he is willing to learn off me I am willing to help anyone.

"It's always nice from the younger pros to get advice.

"He has done well in the games he has played.

"He has scored two good goals and I was pleased with him because before that I think he only had one Premier League goal behind him, and that was at Sunderland.

"He has already doubled that.

"If he can get into double figures he will be delighted."