Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn is excited by the prospect of taking his side to the Stadium of Light in the new year after they were drawn with Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.

The tie is reminiscent of the famous 1973 final, where Sunderland triumphed over Leeds at Wembley despite the latter being heavily favoured.

Don Revie's Leeds side had won the competition the year previous and stood as one of the dominant teams in English football, but lost 1-0 to plucky Second Division side Sunderland who were managed by Bob Stokoe.

Now the tables have turned and it's underdogs Leeds United who will be hoping to upset the Gus Poyet's Premier League Black Cats.

"It is a great tie," said Leeds boss Neil Redfearn, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"Playing a Premier League club is a good draw for us and it will give our young side, with a lot of talent, the chance to pit their wits against a top-flight side, which is great.

"That '73 final is still there in a lot of Leeds fans’ memories. I remember watching it, but only bits of it and it was a famous final. It would be nice to go up there and put on a performance and get a win as they are obviously a big club who did well to stay in the Premier League last season.

“We have an up-and-coming side who play good football and it will be a good game for us."

The anticipated tie will take place some time during the week beginning January 3rd.

The Yorkshire club currently lie in 16th position in the Sky Bet Championship table, having amassed 23 points from 20 league games, with the club’s inconsistent form leaving them languishing in mid-table