DAN Ballard says he can already feel the "buzz" around Sunderland ahead of next month's Wear-Tyne derby and has been inundated with ticket requests since last week's draw - including from people who he doesn't even know!

The centre-half - who set Sunderland on their way to Saturday's West Brom victory with his second half goal - can't wait to get his first taste of the derby.

“You can already feel the buzz around the city," he says.

"People I know and even people I don’t know have been asking me for tickets so I think everyone’s families will be traveling up here. It is going to be a great occasion which I am looking forward to.

 “It is a big one. The fans have waited a long time, both sets, to play each other so yeah, there will be excitement building up to that and it’s not too far away. I'm sure it's going to be a great occasion."

As hotly anticipated as January's televised third round tie is, there's plenty to occupy both clubs before then, including the matter of appointing a new head coach at Sunderland.

Mike Dodds will again be in charge for Tuesday's game against Leeds United, with interviews with candidates to continue this week.

Ballard, who admitted he was surprised to see Tony Mowbray sacked last week, insists the Sunderland players aren't speculating about who the next boss will be.

"It hasn't really been mentioned to be honest," he says.

"Doddsy has stepped in and there has been a lot of information so we haven’t really had time as players to discuss it. It is up to those above whoever they appoint. It is out of our control, we will just deal with what comes.”

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Asked whether Saturday's display felt different with Dodds in the dugout, Ballard said: “I am not too sure. I think (recently), we have had a lot of possession and a lot of control, we just struggled to break through teams.

"A set piece went in our favour when before it has gone against us. We always try to put in a good performance and hope that gives us the win.

 “It is a young group of players and maybe that helps because it has been a fantastic response from everyone (to Mowbray's sacking).

"The club are good at identifying players who are exciting, and hard working and when you see a performance like that after the week that we have had, then it is a testament to the players.”

It was Ballard's first half tackle that cut short Josh Maja's Sunderland return on Saturday, with the West Brom striker forced off injured.

Ballard said: “I just remember trying to win the ball and it is not nice when a player goes down injured. I have to say that last year in the third game of the season, (it happened to me) when I broke my foot and it is not a nice situation.

"I really do wish Josh a speedy recovery if there is any damage there. I know that it is not a nice situation. I’ve never meant to hurt a player so it dampens the win for me because I do really feel for him.”