New Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has said that he will be prepared to get violent with his players in order to save the club from relegation.

The Italian was appointed the new Black Cats boss on Sunday with the club sitting just one point above the drop zone in the Premier League.

Speaking to the media for the first time, the former Swindon Town boss said that he will have no problem getting physical with his new players if the situation demands it.

"It can happen that I can kick my players' bottoms, but hopefully it will only be when we are celebrating," Di Canio told reporters.

"Sometimes I give a little slap on his face and a kick on the bottom. I kicked his bottom, if it is necessary to win the game then why not.

"If one of my players behaves really well until a day before the game and is really focused, with a very high determination then he will start, but I study my players and if something has suddenly happened to change that I will sub him."

Di Canio took over from Martin O'Neill, who was was sacked on Saturday evening.