Sunderland defender John O'Shea is enjoying his first preseason under manager Paolo di Canio.

O'Shea says the schedule is definitely having a positive effect as the club's new signings look to integrate themselves into the side's style of play.

"The manager is focused on making sure the new lads understand the system he wants to play and reminding the rest of us how he wants us to play too," he told safc.com.

"He is making sure we know when to push forward and when to play the ball. He explains each session very clearly, telling you want he expects from you.

"After a physical session he will just remind the lads to go that little bit more, to build that strength up and that's what you need in pre-season.

"He says sometimes your mind can get a bit blurry but it's important to build up that strength and that's exactly what pre-season is all about."