Wolves and Albion heroes are predicting a Molineux cracker as the Black Country began the countdown to its first FA Cup derby in 45 years.

Former players of both clubs are gearing up for a mouth-watering fourth round clash on Sunday, January 28 after Wolves set up the second derby of the season with victory at Oldham last night.

Former striker Don Goodman, who was a hero to both sets of fans, said the FA Cup tie was great news for the whole of the West Midlands.

“It will be terrific,” said Goodman. “Not only is it a derby game, but we know one of the clubs is going to be in the fifth round of the FA Cup with the chance of a favourable draw, either against a big Premiership club or against someone who is beatable and gives them the chance of getting into the quarter-finals.

“I remember when I was at Albion in the late-80s we were drawn to play Villa in the fifth round after we had beaten two top teams to get there.

“The whole of Birmingham was buzzing for that game and I imagine that the whole of the Black Country will be buzzing for this one.

“In the end Tony Daley basically took us apart on that day and Graham Taylor’s Villa side went through.

“But the atmosphere on the day was electric and the whole day was a special occasion.”

However, Goodman admitted it will be impossible for an FA Cup clash to carry any more significance than a normal Black Country derby.

“I don’t know how it can,” he said. “Any derby match is always like a cup tie anyway so I don’t think this one will be any different.

“I don’t think the atmosphere can be any better than normal because the supporters always give everything they’ve got for a derby game.”

Albion hero Ally Robertson, who also spent two seasons in Wolves’ colours, said he was already looking forward to the match, but he appealed to fans of both clubs to play their part in making it a memorable occasion.

“It’s fantastic news, not only for supporters of Wolves and Albion but for the whole area,” he said.

“The only thing I hope for is that we have a great game to savour and that both sets of supporters make sure there is no trouble.

“Having played for both clubs I know they are both terrific sets of fans and they can play their part in making sure it is a great occasion.

“I think it is guaranteed to be a competitive game and a terrific atmosphere.

“It’s a local derby, and if you played a local derby in a testimonial it would still be a hard game with both teams desperate to win.

“Albion have the disadvantage of playing away from home, but often that doesn’t matter in derby matches anyway.

“I hope it will be a cracking game, although often they aren’t in these games and I’m sure neither manager will mind a 1-0 win with an own goal as long as they are in the next round.

By Steve Madeley