DAN NEIL has dreamt of wearing Sunderland’s red and white stripes in a Tyne-Wear derby since he could kick a ball.
And he reckons the Championship promotion chasers could pull off an FA Cup shock against Saudi-backed neighbours Newcastle on Saturday.
A season-ticket holder with his dad and grandad from the age of six — around the same time he joined the club’s academy — talented midfielder Neil was brought up in Jarrow where Mackems are a rare breed.
Most of his mates at school were Toon fans and they have been texting him and asking for tickets since the clubs were drawn together last month — for their first meeting since March 2016.
Neil saw his first derby in October 2008 as Kieran Richardson’s stunning free-kick secured a 2-1 win — the Black Cats’ first home derby win for 28 years.
And in the Stadium of Light’s press room, surrounded by images of the side who beat Leeds 1-0 in the 1973 FA Cup final — legendary boss Bob Stokoe, keeper Jim Montgomery and match- winner Ian Porterfield — Neil, 22, said: “When I heard the draw, I was delighted.
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“You never know whether you’re going to ever play in one of these games.
“Being a fan growing up, it’s a game I have always dreamed of. I’ve seen a lot of derbies, gone to most of the home ones from 2008 and watched highlights of ones from before I was even born and it’s just a massive game.
“The rivalry is fierce and I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable.
“These are the type of games you want to play in.
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“It’s a massive chance as a team and as an individual to really make a name for yourself and put yourself down in history around this area.
“If you can get on the scoresheet, you’re written down in history.”
A lot has changed since the sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw at St James’ Park on March 20, 2016.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought the Magpies in October 2021 and have spent £374.6million on players so far.
Sunderland’s current squad has cost about £10m.
Neil, who is being monitored by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, added: “It’s a derby so it gets magnified but as a Championship squad, we’re just relishing the chance to play against a Premier League team.
“We go into every game believing we can damage an opponent and if we keep them out, we’ve got a good chance of scoring.
“The derby is a different type of game and we need to just rest and recover, get ourselves right mentally, work in training and stick together.
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“I’m under no illusion, it’s going to be a tough game.
“But it’s a magical Cup and anything can happen.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
