Reports earlier this week suggested the Easington-born winger would miss Sunday's game against Newcastle United (kick-off 1pm, live on BBC1) after picking up a hamstring strain in last weekend's defeat to Cardiff City.

Although Johnson admits his chances of playing at St James's Park are slim, the 22-year-old has refused to concede defeat in his battle for fitness.

Should Johnson be passed fit, it would be a major boost for boss Gordon Strachan with the club's top scorer arguably the greatest threat to the league leaders.

Johnson said: "I can't properly say until I see how the injury feels on Saturday.

"I'd say there was more chance of me not playing than there is of playing. But I don't know myself yet. If I do miss out, then I'll be absolutely gutted."

The last time the two clubs met, it was in a crunch battle for Premier League survival.

Despite Newcastle emerging victorious, both clubs suffered relegation yet the Magpies have adapted much better to life in the Championship.

Chris Hughton's side have won seven of their last eight games while Boro have been unable to match Newcastle's ability to grind out results.

Boro have won just one in seven under Strachan's stewardship and Johnson admits they need to emulate the achievements of their local rivals.

Johnson said: "It's probably the biggest game of the Championship season and not just because we need the points.

"It will be a great spectacle with a full house at St James's and it will be big for whoever comes out winners.

"Last time we went there, we lost and both teams went down so it's an entirely different situation now.

"We have just got to get back to winning ways and I think it will be pretty tight.

"I think we have conceded silly goals and lost 1-0 at home four times which is not a coincidence.

"It's just stupid mistakes when we can't seem to see games out.

"We've probably done better against the better teams this season but we can't seem to stop sides getting one chance and scoring.

"I'd far rather play worse and be top of the league. I don't think Newcastle have hit top gear, but they have consistently won games.

"They have been hard to play against and won important games without conceding late goals."