Leeds United is confident it can crack the merchandising market Down Under thanks to its trio of Australian stars.

With Aussies Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Jacob Burns in the squad, the club has been exploring its potential for sales at outlets throughout the Antipodes.

United's international brand manager, Stuart Ogg, has just returned from the Australia Soccer Expo in Sydney, and the company has also opened a showroom in Hong Kong.

Mr Ogg said: "The club have a huge following in Australia, and this was reflected by the interest in the attendance of Leeds United at the exhibition."

He added that the club hoped to gain further interest from overseas when it unveils its Autumn/Winter 2001 and Spring/Summer 2002 product ranges at a display in Birmingham.