Sunderland have vowed to defeat Newcastle in the FA Cup third round without their manager.

Managerless Sunderland will face Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup next month.

Graeme Souness would love to see Sunderland return to the Premier League. The former Liverpool captain made the admission after the Black Cats were drawn against archrivals Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup.

Sunderland, who advanced to the Championship play-offs last season, are currently ninth in the table after a three-match winless streak since the international break. Souness said on talkSPORT this week: “Sunderland are a massive football club.” They have a large fan base.

“They belong in the Premier League.” They would be useful. Every week, they expect 50,000 people to fill the stadium. It is only good for football in that part of the world if you have two teams (Sunderland and Newcastle) competing.”

Read more: Tony Mowbray’s sacking defies logic, and Sunderland’s season now depends on finding a replacement.

The Black Cats are looking for a new manager after parting ways with Tony Mowbray last night. His departure came two days after a 1-1 draw at Millwall.

Despite winning just two of their last nine games, Sunderland are only three points out of a play-off spot. “All at SAFC have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tony, and he is quite rightly held in high regard by our players, staff, and supporters,” said Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman.