BRAZILIAN defender Emerson Thome believes he can take a huge step towards fulfilling his ambition of playing in an English cup final if he can help Sunderland beat mighty Manchester United in tonight's Worthington Cup Fourth Round tie at the Stadium of Light.

Thome took part in the celebrations after Chelsea beat Aston Villa in last season's FA Cup Final at Wembley - but he didn't play because he was ineligible after turning out for his previous club, Sheffield Wednesday in the competition.

"It was very frustrating because the Chelsea manager said he would have used me if I had been eligible," said the classy central defender.

"I was on the open-topped bus when the Cup was brought back to Chelsea and it was fantastic to see so many supporters screaming with delight.

"But I hadn't been involved and it wasn't the same for me as the players who had played at Wembley and I was envious of them

"Now I would love to be involved in a Cup final, whether it be the Worthington Cup or the FA Cup - and if we can beat Manchester United it will be a major step in that direction."

Thome, who has played a significant part in Sunderland's rise up the table since his club-record £4.5m transfer from Stamford Bridge, has been impressed by the club's burning desire to become one of the top clubs in the Premiership.

He said: "Sunderland have the ambition to play on the big stage and that's why I came here. I want to play on the big stage, too.

"Now we have a really big game against Manchester United and people are saying that they might be more interested in the Champions League and the FA Cup than the Worthington Cup - but I think they see it as another big game.

"It will be hard whatever team they put out because everyone in the Manchester United squad is virtually a first team player.

"But we are confident after two away wins and we will be doing our very best to keep the run going.

"We are looking forward to the game and we know how much it can mean, but we will have to be at our best no matter what side Manchester United put out."

Thome helped Benfica beat Sporting Lisbon to win the Portugese Cup and he is hoping that he can experience the same kind of success in England.

But everyone knows how difficult the task will be tonight against a Manchester United side which has gone eight points clear at the top of the Premiership after only 15 games.

Sunderland coach Bobby Saxton admitted: "We are underdogs by a country mile.

"We go into the game after two good away results and we are unbeaten at home this season, but the competition we face in this match is something special.

"I don't particularly want to blow any trumpets for Manchester United but I must say they are good players in their own right - and whatever team they put out I don't think there are any bad players in the Manchester United first team."

And Saxton paid tribute to the success of Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: "I don't think any manager can match what Alex Ferguson has achieved north or south of the border.

"He had a rocky start at Manchester United but since then he has won cups and championships in abundance. He has got to be something very special to achieved what he has achieved for such a long period."

Sunderland wait for fitness tests on Republic of Ireland internationals Niall Quinn, who has a back injury, and Kevin Kilbane, who picked up an ankle knock in the 1-0 win at Charlton.

Swedish international Stefan Schwarz is available after playing in two reserve team matches, but it is unlikely he will be called upon to start after such a long lay-off with a serious ankle injury.

He said: "The manager knows when he thinks I am fit and ready to play and I will leave it to him. But I would be pleased with a place on the bench."

Sunderland (from): Sorensen, Makin, Thome, Craddock, Gray, Hutchison, Rae, Williams, Kilbane, Phillips, Quinn, Arca, Dichio, Varga, Oster, Reddy, Macho.

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