Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has vowed to take the club's FA Cup tie with Sunderland very seriously.

The Magpies are set to take on their lower division rivals, with Howe aware of what the game means to fans.

While the English coach may have his focus on the Premier League and Champions League, fans will not want to see them slip up against the Black Cats.

"Is that a loaded question?" he smiled to reporters when asked if he expected to coach such a big derby game.

"I hoped to do it because we want to experience the big games and the big atmospheres.

"We want to take them on and try and achieve success in them. We know how important this game is for our supporters so we take that responsibility very seriously. We will prepare that game when it comes around as best we can."