FORMER England international Gary Mabbutt believes the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) youth squad is 'almost as good' as their English counterparts.
But Mabbutt warned the territory's aspiring footballers that hard work would be needed if they were to graduate to the senior ranks with the same distinction as Liverpool's Robbie Fowler or Nicky Butt of Manchester United.
Spurs' captain Mabbutt visited the Sha Tin sports centre for the first time yesterday in his third trip to the territory.
'Their [Hong Kong's] technical ability is of a high standard.
'They've got the skills and hopefully their future will be very good,' said 33-year-old Mabbutt after conducting a 90-minute soccer clinic on the Sports Institute pitch.
'There isn't much difference between the youth level of England and Hong Kong.
