England U17s striker Alex Gilliead says it will be a massive occasion when his Newcastle United side welcomes Sunderland in The FA Youth Cup Fourth Round..
The Magpies youngster helped his side defeat Barnsley in the last round to line up the Tyne-Wear derby.
And he can not wait for Monday night's meeting and another opportunity to walk out at St. James' Park.
"It's a massive game for us and one that the lads are hugely looking forward too," said Gilliead.
“Who wouldn't want to step out at such a fantastic stadium and against your local rivals too? It's a dream tie for us.
"Barnsley was a big physical test for us but we got to half time goalless and knew that if we scored early on after the restart, which we did, we'd go on to claim victory."
Alex Gilliead in action for England
Gilliead has already scored for the Magpies against the Black Cats this season during a U18s Premier League encounter, but he is taking nothing for granted as he knows another tough test awaits.
Speaking to NUFC.co.uk, he added: "Though we've beaten them twice in the League, come Monday that won't mean a thing. I expect them to be really fired up and it's going to be very competitive.
“They'll want to avenge those two defeats and we'll need to be at our best and fully focused if we're to progress to the next round.
"I'm sure they'll be a good turn out on Monday, bring it on!"
Tickets are available for the match at St. James Park and priced at £3 for adults and £1 for children. Kick-off is at 7pm.
A match at either Derby County or Stoke City awaits the victors.
