DEBUT goals are child's play to family man Tore Andre Flo.

Sunderland's record signing rescued a point for his new side with a 70th-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

And, in so doing, the Norwegian striker registered a hat-trick of sorts.

Having scored on his bow for both Chelsea and Rangers, Flo produced a repeat performance little more than 24 hours after sealing his deadline-beating move from Ibrox.

After hurriedly completing the formalities of the deal on Friday, the first thing Flo did was raid Sunderland's club shop to snap up replica shirts for his three children.

It was the least he could do, not only to celebrate his return to the Premiership, but also for his daughter Dorthea's second birthday.

Johan, three-and-a-half, who accompanied his father as he conducted after-match interviews, and eight-month-old Isak, were likewise decked in red-and-white stripes.

Meanwhile, fellow Sunderland new boy Marcus Stewart was also keeping it in the family.

Stewart, part of a £10m double deal with Flo following his Friday switch from Ipswich, was allowed match-day leave to return to Suffolk and be at his wife's bedside after she went into labour.

Flo, therefore, took centre stage at the Stadium of Light and said of his debut treble: "It's quite unbelievable.

"I was dreaming about it, but I didn't think it could happen.

"I've had two very stressful days - signing just before the deadline and my girl also had her second birthday on Friday. I bought three Sunderland shirts for my children.''

Flo compared the intensity of Saturday's game to Old Firm clashes in his Rangers days.

"The atmosphere reminded me of Rangers-Celtic matches,'' he said. "I know I'm going to have matches like Rangers-Celtic almost every week now that I am back in the Premiership.

"It's different here because all the teams are more level. I remember from my time at Chelsea that the Premiership was very quick, and this was a quick game.

"I've watched the Premiership a lot on TV and it's more or less the same as it was. It's a very good league.''

Flo felt that the way Sunderland fought back proved United are vulnerable under pressure.

He said: "It shows that when you really have a go and press them, it's not easy for them to play football. They are only human.''

Sunderland boss Peter Reid believes Flo will rattle Premiership defences. "Tore was on the spot on his debut and he's repaid a few quid already,'' said Reid.

"I think he showed he has a great touch and when he gets his fitness level back, gets used to the lads and the Premiership again, he'll be a really good player for us.

"I can see him being really dangerous around the box.''

Reid also made special mention of midfielder Claudio Reyna. "There were a lot of good players out there, but none better than Claudio,'' stressed Reid. "He's an outstanding player who finds time and space where others don't.''

Reid still reckons United are the side to beat in this season's title race.

"I think it's a really strong league,'' he said. "Whoever beats Man. United wins it - but I must admit Arsenal look a bit tasty."

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