Eddie Howe told Newcastle's local players to give a speech after Magpies drew local rivals Sunderland in FA Cup third round

Newcastle were drawn with their fierce Tyne-Wear rivals in the third round of the FA Cup, meaning the two sides will face each other for the first time since 2016 this weekend. As a result, Howe has leaned on the local players in his squad to reveal the importance of the derby fixture.

Howe told his pre-match press conference on Friday: "When the draw was made, I gave a couple of Geordies the opportunity to speak about it to set the scene. Behind the scenes they've played a role. The players know much it means to everybody. Sometimes you can overkill that, so it's been a case of how we're going to play, how we're going to execute what we need to do."

Howe added: "You need that (people who understand the club) within your team. I would always prefer to have a sprinkling of players who have come through the youth system and who know the expectations of the club. We have some great characters who have been here a long time. They really are the core of the club and we're really pleased to have them."

Newcastle have not won the FA Cup since 1955, and last reached the final in 1999, when they were beaten by eventual treble winners Manchester United. Sunderland, by comparison, have not won the trophy since 1973.

The encounter at the Stadium of Light will take place on Saturday. It remains to be seen if a replay will be required.