Connor Wickham: The FA Cup is "special"

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has described the FA Cup as "a special competition" ahead of his side's showdown with Middlesbrough this afternoon.

Wickham, who scored against Boro for Ipswich before signing with Sunderland in the summer, admits that he is hoping to continue his scoring run when the Riverside outfit travel to the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

"The FA Cup is always a special competition and I am looking forward to a good local derby," he told the club's official website.

"It's going to be a big game for us and for the fans in terms of bragging rights and the chance to get through to the next round.

"Last time I played against them I scored a header, so hopefully I can continue that scoring run."

The former Ipswich man will be looking to make his second appearance after being used as a substitute against Swansea last weekend.