Martin O'Neill wants FA Cup success for Sunderland fans

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has admitted that he wants to go far in the FA Cup for the club's fans.

It is also 40 years since Sunderland lifted the FA Cup and O'Neill said that that would make success in the competition extra special.

"When I heard that we were taking 5,000 fans down to Bolton, I don't think it would have gone down well if I had fielded a weakened side or included a couple of very young lads," The Mirror quotes O'Neill as saying.

"The competition is so important to us and we want to try and stay in it.

"Also, while it's not the main reason by any stretch of the imagination, it is 40 years since the club had that magnificent cup run and lifted the trophy, so we have to pay that some respect."

Sunderland face Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday evening in a replay following the 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium.