Xhaka promises ‘fire’ from Sunderland on long-awaited return to Europe

Sunderland captain Xhaka has vowed the team will bring "fire" to their European return after 53 years away, as they prepare to face AZ in an intimidating atmosphere.

When the Wearsiders last competed in European competition, club officials saw it as a practical way to raise funds for floodlight upgrades at Roker Park, which were required due to the widespread adoption of colour television in England.

In autumn 1973, a lighting system designed for black-and-white broadcasts was becoming obsolete, so Sunderland doubled ticket prices for the second leg of their opening European Cup Winners' Cup tie against Vasas of Budapest. With miners and railway workers striking long-term and northeasterners' finances tight, a disappointing crowd of under 23,000 watched Dennis Tueart's penalty secure a 3-0 aggregate victory.