Furness: Derby clash 'a massive occasion for the North East' | OneFootball

Furness started the pre-season Sela Cup bout at the stadium against AC Milan Women, but missed the draw against Southampton Women earlier this season through injury.

But this Sunday's clash against one of her former clubs was the one she had always had an eye on.

United's Northern Ireland international first made her name in North East women's football back in 2002 with Chester-le-Street Ladies and is now relishing the chance to live out a childhood dream and play a competitive game at the home of Newcastle United.

"This is the fixture I looked for at the start of the season when I joined Newcastle," Furness said. "It's a fixture everyone wants to be involved in and every kid's dream.

"For me personally, this is a full circle moment and something I dreamt of as a little girl, not thinking I'd ever get the opportunity to play at St. James' Park.

"When I step onto that pitch I'm going to be fighting for every little girl and boy on Sunday, and personally it's a massive moment in my career.

"It'll be like Christmas Day waking up on Sunday morning and getting ready for the game. However, and I can't stress this enough, all week in training it's been focused, and nobody's getting carried away with the occasion."

The 36-year-old started in Newcastle's 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season and played a key role by setting up Beth Lumsden for her first strike.

However, while Furness has scored her first goal for the club - a late equaliser against Sheffield United Women in January - she's not sure her emotions could handle what may happen if she nets on Sunday.

"I missed the last game at St. James' Park through injury, but this one, I knew I'd play with one leg if I had to, just to make sure I was a part of this moment.

"I think I would retire on the spot (if she scored against Sunderland) because I’m not sure my career could get any better than that.

"Doing so in front of a packed St. James' Park, and of course, I'd take any one of us scoring, but if I did score, I'm not sure I'd be able to control my emotions in that moment.

"I've been through a lot in my career, but if I was able to get a goal on Sunday, then football would be complete for me."

The Lasses are expected to set a new record attendance for both themselves and the Barclays Women's Championship at the weekend.

And with a few days still left before the latest Tyne-Wear derby, Furness has urged supporters potentially sitting on the fence about whether to attend to show their Geordie support for the Lasses.

"We know this is a massive occasion for the North East and while it's business as usual for us as players, we need the fans to be our 12th player on the day," she added.

"This is what North East women's football is all about: two competitive teams who want to show what they're about - and it's derby day, so anything can happen.

"Get behind the city, get behind us girls just like everyone has done for the men because we need your voices in the stands."

Tickets are currently on general sale here at an advanced online price of £8 for adults and £2 children, with a £1 donation from every ticket sold going to Newcastle United Foundation. Hospitality and premium packages are also available.