The former Aston Villa midfielder had a debut to remember with his new side as they secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Liverpool.

He then sat out the Europa League win over Timisoara in midweek as he was not registered in time to play.

Milner, who played for Newcastle earlier in his career, believes City may be in for a different kind of challenge when they ship up at the Stadium of Light.

He said: "Steve Bruce always has his teams settled very well. He is a good manager and they had good spells last season.

"The north-east is always a tough place to go and they create a great atmosphere. It is a very good place to play football.

"It is up to us to get on top of them early in the game because if they start well and get a goal in front with the crowd behind them it can be tough.

"Hopefully we can get out of the blocks quickly, put in a good performance and get the right result."

City manager Roberto Mancini is pleased with the way his expensively-assembled side is developing, and he wants them to be easy on the eye.

He said: "It is important we play football - no long balls but on the floor, shifting the ball quickly. The players I have brought in need to fit the style I want to bring here.

"I have followed all the players I bought many times and know they all have good mentality.

"If we think that because we beat Liverpool that Sunderland will be easy, it would be a big mistake.

"In the Premier League every game is difficult. If you don't play Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea, it is even more difficult, for me."

Mancini may be tempted to give Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata, an academy graduate, another run-out after he scored against Timisoara - his first goal for the senior team.

Mancini said: "Dedryck is a young player who played many times in the first team last season.

"He worked very well in pre-season and played very well when he came in because he was ready and is a serious guy."

Boyata, 20, savoured the moment following his goal after returning to the side for the first time since February.

He said: "It was really good. I brought my parents along with my little sister and girlfriend so it was extra special. Hopefully I will get more goals.

"I am happy with what I have done. With the players around you at City it just makes it easy. They help you become better.

"I have been at the club for a few years now. The fans can see where I am coming from. I have taken a great step and hopefully I can improve."

Former Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli could return to the squad after sitting out the last two matches with a knee problem.