JOHN Byrne is already assured of his place in Sunderland folklore - and the former favourite is backing the club's current crop of stars to etch their name into the record books this weekend.

The Black Cats take on Millwall for a place in the FA Cup final on Sunday, some 12 years after Byrne headed the winner against Norwich in the club's last semi-final outing.

That goal extended Byrne's record-breaking run of scoring in every round of the competition and, while the silky striker failed to hit the target in a 2-0 final defeat to Liverpool, his exploits remain the abiding memory of 1992's FA Cup run.

Sunderland will aim to become the first side from outside the top-flight to make the final since when they take on Millwall at Old Trafford.

And, after joining the Lions five months after his FA Cup final appearance, Byrne could be forgiven for having mixed emotions ahead of Sunday's showdown.

The 43-year-old is now employed as a podiatrist looking after people's feet in Brighton. But he will be swopping soles for goals as he shouts Sunderland to glory this weekend.

"I'll be cheering for Sunderland, no doubt about it," said Byrne. "I hope it goes right for them on the day - Sunderland in Europe would be great.

"I've followed the club's fortunes since leaving and it's great that they have reached the semi-final again.

"When I look back at my time up there it always brings fantastic memories.

"The atmosphere the cup run created was unbelievable. People just couldn't stop talking about it, the interest was phenomenal.

"The semi-final at Hillsborough always stands out for me - and it's not just because I scored the winning goal.

"I remember the Sunderland fans making so much noise in the Kop end, especially at the end when things were nervy because we were only 1-0 up. You can bet that there will be a fantastic atmosphere at Old Trafford."

Byrne scored 15 goals in 43 games during a year-long spell on Wearside that began with a debut against Bristol Rovers in October 1991.

He joined from Brighton after helping the Seagulls to the Division Two play-off final but admits that his biggest regret is not having joined Sunderland earlier in his career.

"I went to Sunderland when I was 31 and it was probably a bit late," said Byrne. "Denis Smith tried to sign me when I was 27 or 28 to partner Marco Gabbiadini after Eric Gates had retired.

"The move didn't come off - but I wish it had. Had I moved to the club then, I think I would have stayed for the rest of my career."

As it was, Byrne's brief Sunderland career co-incided with the club's only FA Cup final appearance since 1973 and their protracted battle against relegation to Division Three.

Malcolm Crosby replaced Smith as manager halfway through the season, and Sunderland's league form stuttered as their cup exploits took them nearer and nearer to Wembley.

The reverse has happened this season, with the Black Cats going seven league games unbeaten since beating Birmingham in a fifth-round replay last month.

"Mick (McCarthy) deserves so much credit for that," said Byrne. "He has kept everyone's feet on the ground.

"Our league form was awful during the cup run - that was the downside. We couldn't seem to take our cup performances into the league and we only just survived.

"I know it sounds a little unprofessional, but at times it was difficult to get yourself up for some of the league games because they felt mundane.

"That hasn't happened this year and Sunderland will be going into Sunday's game on a real high. I hope they do it - although it will be tough."

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