Alan Shearer now shares what he has told BBC after Newcastle draw Sunderland in the FA Cup

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The wait for a Tyne-Wear derby will come to an end in January when Newcastle United travel to Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.

For the first time since 1956, Newcastle and Sunderland will meet in a cup game, while it will be the first game between the two clubs since 2016. In the last meeting, Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued a point for the Magpies very early into Rafa Benitez’s tenure.

So much has happened to both clubs since then. They are completely unrecognisable. Sunderland have been down to the depths of League One and cried on Netflix, while Newcastle have reached the highs of the Champions League and starred in their own Amazon documentary.

Eddie Howe’s side will go into the game as massive favourites. The will face a Sunderland side that are mid-table in the Championship right now, but they will have home advantage with the game set to take place at the Stadium Of Light.

It is an absolutely incredible draw, and one that has delighted Toon legend Alan Shearer. And the former Newcastle striker has already told people at the BBC that the game between the Geordies and the Mackems has to be televised.

Alan Shearer is buzzing about Newcastle playing Sunderland in the FA Cup

Alan Shearer has spoke to Gary Lineker about the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.

“You [Lineker] sent a text message asking for tickets!,” he said.

“What a draw, it was brilliant. Arsenal vs Liverpool and Sunderland vs Newcastle! Amazing. I can’t wait.

“Sunderland I look forward to. I have already been on to the top guys [at BBC] saying we know Arsenal and Liverpool are playing reserve sides so we might as well do Sunderland vs Newcastle, where we know nobody can afford to be beaten and won’t put reserve sides out!”

A chance for Newcastle to reclaim bragging rights over Sunderland

Given the enormity of the game, it feels inevitable that it will be broadcast on either BBC or ITV. It is the one game that the two broadcasters should be fighting for, as it is one that no longer comes around often.

Tyne-Wear derbies are massive affairs, and we have gone so long without one. They bring back painful memories for Toon fans, with the last time Newcastle beat Sunderland being 2011 when Alan Pardew was manager and Ryan Taylor hit a perfect free-kick over the wall.

Since then, Sunderland have been the better side in derbies. They even went on a run of winning six in a row, which they painfully remind us of at every occasion.

But now Newcastle have a chance to reclaim bragging rights, and Alan Shearer is absolutely buzzing. However, he is probably a bit nervous deep down as well, much like every Newcastle United supporter.