Chelsea came away victorious from St James' Park back in November after beating the Magpies 2-0 in the Carling Cup.

And Souness said: "We cannot ask for any more than a home tie at this stage.

"We were unlucky not to beat them in the League Cup earlier this season and we cannot wait for this one."

Burnley were handed a dream home tie against arch rivals Blackburn at Turf Moor.

Chairman Brian Kilby insists the fans will relish the encounter and is hopeful of gaining revenge over Mark Hughes' side.

Kilby said: "This will be a big match because there is a long history of battles between these two clubs.

"There is only eight miles between us and we have not played them that often in the last 15 years. It will be a big occasion for everybody in Lancashire.

"There will definitely be a full house and hopefully it will be shown on television, so it is a good draw for us financially.

"It will be very big for all the people in East Lancashire and this is as big as it gets in this part of the world.

"The last time we played them, we lost both games so hopefully we can get our revenge in the Cup."

Nottingham Forest were guaranteed Premiership opposition after being drawn against either Tottenham or West Brom.

And striker Gareth Taylor is praying Tottenham come out on top so he can play at White Hart Lane against his boyhood club.

Taylor said: "I'm a life-long Spurs fan, so I'll be hoping they get through.

"I played against Spurs a couple of seasons ago in the Carling Cup for Burnley, and we beat them on that occasion and played Man Utd in the next round.

"Personally I'd love to play them again, especially at White Hart Lane.

"Whether it's West Brom or Tottenham it's going to be a superb occasion for the club and the supporters."

Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper would love the chance to pit his wits against Southampton boss Harry Redknapp in the next round of the competition.

But Cooper is not getting carried away with the draw as he knows his side still face a tough battle to beat Brentford in the Fourth Round replay if they are to face Premiership opposition.

Cooper said: "With Harry Redknapp going there and Southampton getting their confidence back - it's a difficult game for either side.

"It's a big game, but a heck of a journey! Whether it's ourselves or Brentford we'll give it our best shot. But our main concern is a difficult replay against Brentford."

Derby boss George Burley is hopeful of causing a shock against Fulham in their Fourth Round replay, after being drawn against more Premiership opposition in the shape of Bolton.

Burley said: "We get another Premiership club if we get through and if we can it will be brilliant.

"Bolton are on a very good run, have hit top form at the moment and for ourselves or Fulham, whoever goes through, it will be a difficult game at the Reebok."