Niall Horan had time for kickabout at Sunderland's Stadium of Light stadium as One Direction prepared for their UK tour.

The band have been in South America recently on the opening leg of their Where We Are world tour and it is now Europe's turn to host the group.

The quintet will play three dates in Ireland at the weekend before heading to the UK and they have been undertaking some last minute rehearsals in Sunderland.

Avid football fan Horan posted a series of pictures on Instagram of the day, with the singer seen having a kickabout and wearing a Sunderland AFC top.

He posted: "What a day, last rehearsals and a kickabout at the Stadium of Light!"

One Direction's first UK date is scheduled for May 28 in Sunderland.