Chris Coleman is revelling in the thought of Sunderland’s Tees-Wear tie in the Emirates FA Cup, admitting the aim will be simple – to win and progress.
The Black Cats were drawn away to Middlesbrough in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup on Monday night.
Coleman's side will make the short trip to Teesside to face their Sky Bet Championship counterparts on the weekend of 5-8 January 2018.
And in wake of the draw, the Welshman has already set his stall out as to what he expects from his side at the Riverside.
“It is a great game for us,” he said.
“It is local, really. Well to be fair, no one is local for Sunderland. I have found that out. Everywhere is a three-hour drive.
“But no, it is a great game, I love the FA Cup. I loved it as a player and a manager.
“We will be going there at our strongest and we will be going there to try and win the game.
He continued: “We want to progress in the cup competition.
“We have got to pick up in the league and progress as far as we can in the cup.
“We owe the fans, they keep coming to support us.”
