Bruce: Cup still Cats' priority

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce insists this season’s priority remains FA Cup glory.

The Black Cats’ reward for their 3-0 third round win over Blue Square Premier League side Barrow is a visit to either Fratton Park or the Ricoh Arena in the next round after Portsmouth and Coventry played out a 1-1 draw on the south coast at the weekend.

Bruce told the club’s official website, www.safc.com: “Obviously we would have preferred a home draw, but it’s another challenge for us and we will be giving it our best shot.

“We have already seen what Portsmouth can do this season when they came up here, and they will be keen to do well in the competition.

“Coventry obviously did well to get a result there and we know they are a decent side. They will be strong at home.

“Should Coventry get through, they will have the incentive of another crack at a Premier League side.

“I have already said the FA Cup is a priority for us this season, and that won’t change.”

Pompey, who won the trophy under Harry Redknapp in 2008, left the Stadium of Light with a 1-1 Barclays Premier draw on December 12.

Coventry lie in 17th place in the Coca-Cola Championship table.