The 27-year-old Frenchman played a key role in his side's 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday as their 28-year wait for a home win over the Magpies finally came to an end.

But even a man with a Champions League winners' medal among his collection went into the unknown when he ran onto the pitch at the Stadium of Light.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "I said before the game that I really didn't know much about the derby with Newcastle - but I know now.

"I don't think I have played in too many atmospheres like that in my career. It was red hot.

"We are lucky people to be able to play in a game like that. It is what makes being a professional footballer such a privilege.

"The fans on Saturday were special - magnifique!

"I have played at other clubs where the fans' heads would have dropped if we conceded a goal like we did. But our fans just got louder and it was their win."

Cisse, on loan from Marseille, cemented his place in the fans' affections when he turned home Steed Malbranque's shot after 20 minutes.

Newcastle dragged themselves back into the game when Shola Ameobi headed home Geremi's 30th-minute free-kick, and the striker could have given his side the lead 13 minutes after the break when he was played in by Obafemi Martins.

However, it was left to Kieran Richardson to win it for the home side with 15 minutes remaining when he hammered an unstoppable free-kick past goalkeeper Shay Given to spark mass celebrations.

Cisse added: "Kieran is on fire with his free-kicks. You know that if we get a free-kick around the box don't even bother trying to take it because we have got Kieran.

"It was a great strike and he deserved that after going so close against Fulham in our last game."

Cisse might have eased the Wearsiders further ahead with a long-range effort which came back off the post with Given beaten, while he had earlier been denied by the Irishman's legs.

However, he insisted the result was all that mattered ahead of Wednesday night's trip to Stoke.

He said: "It would have been nice for me to get two or three goals, but in the end we would still only have got three points and the important thing was to win.

"Now we have to go to Stoke on Wednesday and perform just as well again.

"We know that winning the derby is huge for our fans, but it will not feel so good if we do not perform at Stoke."

Manager Roy Keane will make a late check on goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who missed out at the weekend after twisting an ankle in training.

The Scot has a chance of returning, although Keane will have no qualms about sticking with Hungarian deputy Marton Fulop.

He said: "The great thing for me when Craig got injured was that I was so comfortable with Marton coming in because he has been a brilliant player for us since he has come here, and a good professional, and you saw that on Saturday.

"He handled the occasion very well, he handled the game. He had two internationals a few weeks ago and kept two clean sheets, so he was ready.

"I didn't lose any sleep thinking Craig wouldn't make it."