While Newcastle have only reached the semi-final stage once in their history, back in 1976 when they progressed to the final to lose to a Dennis Tueart goal, Big Sam has been there twice.
Allardyce's Bolton lost to Tranmere at the competition's semi-final stage in 2000. Four years later, the Trotters reached the final that ended in defeat at the hands of the Smoggies.
Sam Allardyce: "I think it has grown into an important competition.
"All the big boys will want to win it because of the need to put silverware on the mantelpiece and there's such competition (in the Premier League) that winning the Carling Cup can overcome the problems that can be encountered if you don't finish in the Champions League or do well in the FA Cup.
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"The Carling Cup is a major prize for the big boys, just like it is for everyone else. Like all managers, it's a competition that I want to win. I've come close twice and I've been to the final. I want to go back again and I want to win it.
"It (a 4-0 aggregate loss to Tranmere) was disappointing because we could have beaten them with the team we had, it was a real bad blow for me.
"Two years ago, we managed to reach the final. We enjoyed the ride getting there. But we hated what followed. I hated the fact we lost. I couldn't take it. I'm determined to go back."
"The main danger comes at this stage.
"It's the most dangerous time for the big clubs. You never know (what might happen) in football.
"We (Bolton) played Bury in this round (in 2003), I picked six internationals and we lost 1-0. Manchester City didn't change their team (in 2005) and went to Doncaster and lost.
"It's a tough call. The cup's the cup, what makes it exciting is sides like Barnsley can beat the big boys, that's what it's all about. We've got to make sure that we're not one of those left embarrassed.
"It's six games to Wembley. I realise it seems a long way off for the players, but the semi-finals are played in January and the final is in February.
"It can enhance your whole season. It did for us at Bolton. We got to the final and we had a great run leading up to it in the Premier League. Getting to the final can motivate a team to do great things in the Premier League. That has to be our aim."