Sunday sees one of the most anticipated dates in the domestic football calendar, with the third round draw for the FA Cup taking place (3.15pm). While there is no doubt who the Norwich coaching trio of former Newcastle United players will have their eye on being paired against, one man at Carrow Road would have mixed feelings about a draw which could rule him out of making an appearance in English football's most prized cup competition.

Sunday sees one of the most anticipated dates in the domestic football calendar, with the third round draw for the FA Cup taking place (3.15pm).

While there is no doubt who the Norwich coaching trio of former Newcastle United players will have their eye on being paired against, one man at Carrow Road would have mixed feelings about a draw which could rule him out of making an appearance in English football's most prized cup competition.

Matty Pattison is currently on loan to the Canaries from the Magpies until the end of the year, and the midfielder has already expressed his desire to stay at Carrow Road for longer.

But if such a move was simply an extension to his current loan deal, rather than a permanent transfer, it may leave his parent club the option to rule him out of a tie his present coaching staff would clearly relish.

“Well that would be up to the Newcastle manager but I would like to play. Obviously it would be an interesting draw if we got Newcastle.

“I'm not too sure if I could play, I haven't spoken to the manager at Newcastle about that, but he should let me play really. I hope so, I don't want to miss out on third FA Cup round.”

The 21-year-old has impressed in his two appearances for the Canaries to date, and a permanent transfer to Carrow Road in January seems a very real possibility with the tough tackler enjoying life in Norfolk.

“I'm just enjoying playing football regularly. That's what I wanted and I'm just hoping I can stay longer after January.

“We're a lot better than what the table shows, we're definitely one of the better footballing sides in the championship. We like to get the ball down and pass, so if we keep doing that we should be alright.”

Having been managed by Glenn Roeder at Newcastle, Pattison paid tribute to the effect the City manager has had around the training ground.

“He's got everyone up for the games a lot more and training seems a bit more up tempo, and that's obviously since he's came. I don't know what it was like before, but from what the lads are saying everyone seems happy and more relaxed around the place.

“For me, everything's gone better than I hoped.”

City manager Glenn Roeder, his assistant Lee Clarke and newly appointed coach Paul Stephenson having all worn the black and white stripes at St James' Park would love to be drawn to face the Magpies in the new year.

While a third round tie against Hartlepool United would also raise an eyebrow in the Norwich management team, and Hartlepool boardroom for that matter, after former Pools youth coach Paul Stephenson's protracted move to Colney.

However, Roeder isn't too fussed who Norwich draw. The real question for him is where.

“I'm happy to play anyone at home. If it's a non-league team so much the better. I'd much prefer to be the favourites than the underdog. Any mug can be the underdog.”