Ask any Sunderland fan who they most love to hate, and the canny answer will be anything or anyone associated with Newcastle United. They’ll tell you in black-and-white language, too.  So the wrath of the Stadium of Light crowd was understandable when Championship leaders Cardiff City went to freezing Wearside on Tuesday – and Newcastle reject Michael Chopra bagged both goals in a 2-1 win. Less understandable was the hostile booing every time the striker touched the ball.

Chopra, now the division’s leading scorer with 10 in 14 games, was highly amused by the black-and white feathered intruder that flew up and down the pitch for much of the second half. "It was nice that a magpie came to support me," grinned the striker whose equaliser inspired Newcastle to a 4-1 win on his last visit to Sunderland in April.

The 23-year-old Geordie – son of an Indian father and an English mother – joined Cardiff in a £500,000 deal in the summer, just before Michael Owen suffered his latest long-term injury playing for England in the World Cup. In the light of that disaster, Newcastle could scarcely afford to lose Chops – even though he never really established himself as a regular in the Magpies team.

He’s been a revelation since he was signed by shrewd Cardiff boss Dave Jones in the close-season – along with other experienced stars like Stephen McPhail and Riccy Scimeca. As a result, the Bluebirds – who began the season as promotion longshots – now seem to be heading for the golden land of the Premiership. Chopra’s two first-half goals on Tuesday also earned him a day off.

He told Bluebirds TV: "I asked Dave if I could have Wednesday off. He said ‘Yes, if you get a goal against Sunderland.‘ I said: ‘What if I get a goal and the winner – can I have Thursday off too?‘"

Jones added: ''Chops is a pest but he’s a good footballer. He’s a quality person and gives us extra life, not only on the pitch but in the dressing room too. I can’t speak highly enough of him. But then I’d say that of all my team."