Sebastian Larsson has admitted that the Sunderland players are excited by their FA Cup draw with Middlesbrough.
The midfielder knows that emotions will be running high and has urged his teammates to keep calm.
"It's a local derby so of course it's important that our players keep their cool," said the Swedish international.
"It's an appetising game and the fans will be excited. It's nice to get a home tie and it will be another testing game for us.
"It's a kind of game that you look forward to as you want to step up to the plate and show what you can do.
"I have no doubt that Middlesbrough will be well up for the game but so will we and we have a good chance of winning."
Larsson joined Sunderland from Birmingham last year.
