Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says the players know the importance of tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Sunderland.

Howe admits as soon as the draw was made he had his local players address the squad about the rivalry.

He said: "When the draw was made, I gave the local lads an opportunity to speak about the fixture, just to set the scene. The players know everything they need to know about the fixture.

"Sometimes you can overkill that so it's been a case of how are we going to play? How are we going to execute our plan? We're keen to turn our form around. We're focusing on our performance and making it the best we can.

"It is our opportunity to progress in the cup competition. We have to individually be at our best levels. Sunderland are a very good team, full of young and bright prospects.

"We do not underestimate the challenge; we have given them full respect in our preparation. But, of course, it is going to be about what we can do and how we can play and execute our plan.

"You want your away support to be there in numbers, and they have been this season. They have been incredible on the road for us. We want to repay that support with our best performance. I am very proud of our supporters; they've given us a lot."