‘Far away’ - Newcastle United midfielder makes tongue-in-cheek Sunderland jibe

Former Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden returned to the north east this weekend as his QPR side took on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Both teams have struggled in the league of late and had to settle for a point apiece on Wearside as the Black Cats halted a run of six successive defeats.

QPR meanwhile, under the guidance of Marti Cifuentes, are just one point above the relegation zone following their draw with Sunderland. Hayden, who played 84 minutes of the match before being replaced late on by Sam Field, was asked post-match whether this game meant more to him as a Newcastle United player.

Hayden replied: “Not really to be honest. I’ve never played here, they were always a bit far away from Newcastle to be honest in terms of leagues so I never really got to play here. It’s a good stadium and to be fair they packed it out today, which they don’t normally do. But it was a good game to play in but I’m disappointed we didn’t get the win.”

Hayden received his fair share of boos and jeers from the home support along with former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback. Colback joined the R’s in summer after leaving Nottingham Forest.

Steve Cooper, who was Forest boss at the time of Colback’s departure, bid an emotional farewell to the former Magpies man, describing him as being ‘more than a player’ to him. Hayden and Colback’s mission to keep QPR in the Championship sees them face Birmingham City on Good Friday before a trip to south Wales and Swansea City on Easter Monday.