BOSS Tony Mowbray is relishing his side's FA Cup third round tie at Newcastle United in the new year.

Rovers, who beat the Magpies twice in the Championship in the 2016-17 season, will visit the North East on the first weekend in January with the date and time yet to be confirmed.

And Mowbray, who admitted he didn't watch the draw, believes the clash represents a chance for his side to test themselves against top flight opponents.

"A home draw would have been nice, but we have to travel and it will be a good test for us against a Premier League side. It's one we can look forward to," he said.

"We'll go there on the day and see how we get on.

"We beat Newcastle twice a couple of seasons ago in the Championship, so I think we should go there and give a good account of ourselves. Let's go there and see what we can do in what is a one-off game."

Rovers boast two Newcastle supporters in their ranks in Adam Armstrong - signed permanently from Rafa Benitez's side in the summer - and former Sunderland striker Danny Graham.

"I didn't know Danny Graham was a Newcastle fan, so I've learnt something new today, but we all know about Arma's connection to the club," Mowbray added.

"We'll have to see what the team is like in January, see whether Danny is playing and whether Arma is playing. I'm sure it'll be a good day out for our supporters, who have been there pretty recently.

"Let's see if we can have a similar result to our last meeting with them."