Giant leap into history

The Giants face Miami Dolphins at Wembley on Sunday in the first competitive National Football League game to be played outside North America.

Exhibition matches have been played around the world for years and the old Wembley hosted several such matches during the 1980s and 90s - but London has never seen anything like this.

Within hours of arriving in the English capital, the Giants were whisked away to Chelsea's Cobham training ground in a fleet of coaches for a light workout watched by a throng of media and several Blues stars including England skipper John Terry and goalkeeper Petr Cech.

After being put through his paces by head coach Tom Coughlin and his massive entourage of staff, quarterback Eli Manning said: "This is a big deal and the players and coaches realise that this is something special that hasn't happened before."

Manning, whose brother Peyton plays for Indianapolis Colts and won the Super Bowl last season, added: "We are honoured to be a part of it and we are honoured to be chosen as the first ones to do it along with Miami and try to put on a show.

"I'm pleased that people are excited about it. I'm looking forward to seeing Wembley Stadium and seeing what that is all about."

When the NFL schedule was first released the game was supposed to be a home outing for Miami but the powers that be opted to take the fixture overseas.

And while most would prefer the sunshine and beaches of Miami, defensive star Michael Strahan - known to most of the British public as the sweaty man playing golf in the 'Right Guard' commercials - begged to differ.

He is more than happy to trade sunny Florida for the cloudy skies and gentle rain of London.

He said: "This isn't Miami weather-wise but we are excited to be here and we are enjoying it. I think we will actually get more enjoyment out of being here than Miami."

Veteran Strahan would have missed Sunday's battle if he had chosen to retire, something he spent much of the pre-season deliberating.

However, he was happy to add another landmark to his glittering career by returning for the 2007 campaign and he is relishing the prospect of tackling the Dolphins in front of a sold-out crowd.

Strahan added: "This is the first time we have ever done anything like this and to do it at the new Wembley Stadium is unbelievable."

Outspoken tight end Jeremy Shockey added: "Everyone on this team feels it's an honour to be able to be a part of this game and hopefully we'll be able to leave here and have an impact worldwide."