'Never leaves you': Sunderland boss has a strong FA Cup message as new campaign begins

Mowbray is set to rotate his side for the visit to Shrewsbury Town and there will be opportunities for some of the youngsters in the squad, but he has made clear that he intends to pick a side that is strong enough to win the game against very competitive opposition.

Sunderland's recent record in the competition is dismal - they have not won a game since 2018 and have not progressed to the fourth round since 2015.

The club's efforts this year will have extra significance as they mark 50 years since the competition was won with a shock victory over Leeds United at Wembley.

Mowbray remembers that day well and so while there will almost certainly be rotation, with Ross Stewart one strong contender to be rested, the message is clear.

"I've spoken about it since I've been here, 1973 and how massive it was, that was my first memory of Sunderland," Mowbray said.

"I was cheering Sunderland on that day, Leeds United had an amazing team challenging for the league title every year under Don Revie. Giles, Bremner, Hunter, Charlton... for Sunderland to do what they did that day was unbelievable.