MANAGER Michael Flynn says Newport County AFC have got a “great draw” as they prepare to host Championship giants Leeds United in the FA Cup third round.

Flynn’s preference was for an away tie at one of the Premier League superpowers to maximise the financial windfall for the club.

But he’s delighted to be welcoming former English league champions and European Cup finalists Leeds to Rodney Parade over the weekend of January 5 to January 8.

The tie will also give the Exiles a chance to avenge the 5-1 defeat they suffered at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup second round in August.

South Wales Argus:

“It’s a great draw for us because we’re at home,” said Flynn.

“If we weren’t going to get one of the big boys away we wanted a home draw.

“It should be a sell-out and hopefully we can take a few more chances that we did in the last game against them. It will be lot closer.

“I’ve just messaged the director of football at Leeds and he’s said some very complimentary things.

“They were very impressed with the way we went about things up at Leeds and they’re looking forward to coming to us.”

Flynn, who was nominated for the coach of the year prize at last night’s Wales Sport Awards at the Celtic Manor, added: “It’s going to be a tough challenge but it will be a proud day to welcome a team of Leeds’ stature to Rodney Parade.

“We want to play against the big teams week in and week out and keep Newport going in the right direction.

“Hopefully we’ll have more of these days.”