Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio was amazed by the response of Hong Kong fans to their arrival.

The Wearsiders' squad was greeted by the usual manic reactions Premier League footballers tend to attract by setting foot in the Far East.

Di Canio said: "It is amazing. All round Asia they go mad for English football, so it is a good experience, also because in social life it is good to have a link to a faraway world, to get closer to the culture.

"Fans will go to the stadium and see their heroes. The local people here watch a lot of Premier League football and the chance to watch their heroes live is a big opportunity."