Sunderland chief Margaret Byrne has been canvassing players on their opinion of new manager Paolo di Canio's training methods.

The Sunday Express says Byrne has been ringing the agents of a number of Sunderland players quizzing them over whether their clients are happy with Di Canio's training methods.

The reaction amongst the majority of players to Di Canio's appointment has been favourable.

One senior player, who faced Manchester United in the 1-0 defeat last weekend, said: "Without being disrespectful to Martin O'Neill, we have learned more in the last four days than we did in the previous four months. We are already inspired and hopefully galvanised by him.

"His knowledge of the game is unbelievable. I must confess that he has overwhelmed us."