MIDDLESBROUGH fans could get a glimpse of a trophy that has strong links with the area this weekend.

Middlesbrough play Preston North End tomorrow in the fifth round of the FA Cup, and the tie gives fans the opportunity to visit the National Football Museum at the Deepdale ground.

Of special interest will be the Viscountess Furness Cup, whose origins began at a Teesside shipyard before it was later adopted as the Littlewoods League Cup in the 1980s.

The 3ft-high solid silver cup was made in 1895 and was given to the winning team in the company's football knockout tournament from 1920 until 1968.

Local historian Colin Hatton grew up next to the Furness Athletic Ground, and has written a book on Haverton Hill, Port Clarence to Billingham, which details the history of the area's industrial heritage.

He said: "The cup towers over the FA cup and is an impressive-looking trophy. In 1987, the cup was displayed in the Stockton branch of Littlewoods and it certainly attracted plenty of attention - it was as if Middlesbrough were playing the final."

The Carling Cup, which replaced the Littlewoods Cup, was won by Boro in 2004.