Tony Mowbray is relishing the chance to take on Premier League opposition in the FA Cup - describing Sunderland's fourth round tie at Fulham as a 'free hit' in the context of the wider season. The Black Cats' win at Shrewsbury Town in the third round last weekend led to a pairing with the Londoners at Craven Cottage in a fortnight's time.
Mowbray insists the priority for Sunderland has to be maintaining momentum in their Championship campaign and ensuring they remain within reach of the play-off spots, but that does not mean the FA Cup is an afterthought. This year sees the 50th anniversary of Sunderland lifting the FA Cup at Wembley when they defeated Leeds United in 1973, and Mowbray is conscious of the affinity supporters feel towards this competition.
"I know the FA Cup means a lot to this football club - it's 50 years this year [since Sunderland won it] - but we have to be realistic about the journey we are on," said Mowbray, whose side takes on Swansea City at the Stadium of Light in the league tomorrow. "We need to focus on making sure we get enough points [in the league].
