THE North-East's footballing adventures will continue on April 4 after Sunderland were handed a dream draw in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Only 24 hours after Middlesbrough paraded the Carling Cup in front of more than 100,000 jubilant fans, Sunderland's chances of FA Cup glory were given a major boost when they were paired with either Millwall or Tranmere Rovers in the last four.

By avoiding Arsenal and Manchester United in the draw, Sunderland have given themselves every chance of becoming the first lower league team to reach the cup final since they last achieved the feat in 1992.

Their opponents will be confirmed when Millwall and Tranmere replay their quarter-final clash next Tuesday, with the semi-final almost certain to be held at Old Trafford.

Victory in that game would take Sunderland through to May's showpiece final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and would also be enough to send the Black Cats into Europe for the first time since 1973.

"There was a cheer when the balls came out," said manager Mick McCarthy. "We are not there yet but it gives us a better chance than if we had got Manchester United or Arsenal.

"It is an exciting draw. We can make history and we are aware of that."

Making the final this year would provide a massive cash boost to a club still feeling the financial effects of last season's relegation from the Premiership.

Vice chairman John Fickling said: "We are talking a seven figure cash bonus for the club. It is a boost we badly need and it helps us to be positive about the future."

Leading North-East bookmaker Reuben Page said there had been a rush of interest in the team. Odds on Sunderland winning the cup dropped to 15-2 by close of business last night.

Austin Carney, of the Consett-based chain, said: "We even had someone ringing up at 9.30am saying they had a dream Sunderland will beat Arsenal 1-0 in the final."

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