Robinson excited to face hero

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson is relishing testing himself against one of his managerial idols when Sunderland visit stadium:mk.

Robinson is a big admirer of Black Cats counterpart Martin O'Neill and is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Northern Irishman.

"Martin O'Neill is a legend in management. He's a manager who I think a lot of fans of other Premier League teams would want as their own manager," said Robinson.

"I'm good friends with [Celtic manager] Neil Lennon and all he ever talks about is Martin. I'm looking forward to testing myself against him."

The Dons have a good recent record against higher league opposition, defeating Blackpool and Norwich in the last two years and overcoming Blackburn in the previous round of this season's competition. Robinson added: "We're looking forward to another chance to test ourselves against the best."

Sunderland, runners-up in 1985 and the hometown club of Dons assistant manager Mick Harford, lost to lower league opposition in the shape of Brighton in the second round last season.