|
|
South Korea's Ji Dong-Won hopes to fill Park Chu-Young's void
May 22, 2012 3:59:00 AM
The 20-year-old Sunderland striker admits there's huge responsibility and pressure on him to fill the shoes of the overlooked star man for the Taeguk Warriors
South Korean striker Ji Dong-Won says he'll try to fill the void of overlooked star man Park Chu-Young when the Taeguk Warriors play upcoming matches against Spain, Qatar and Lebanon.The Arsenal striker was left out of coach Choi Kang-Hee's squad for the matches due to his ongoing military service saga with many fans criticising Park for his decision to defer his compulsory duty after obtaining a 10-year Monaco residency permit.
Sunderland striker Ji, 20, admitted the absence of Park, who scored eight goals in consecutive five internationals last year, will create a "void" but is hopeful he can fill it, despite the pressure and responsibility of the role.
"Of course I feel the pressure and responsibility. But the players will discuss with each other how to minimise the damage," Ji told reporters at the National Training Centre on Monday afternoon.
Ji said the former national team captain's absence was something he'd never envisaged.
"Actually, I've never imagined national team without him," he said. "A definite starting member is omitted. But the rest of us should fill the void."
The former Chunnam Dragons striker, who made 21 first-team appearances and scored two goals in his first season in English football, added he was delighted to be called up by Choi for the first time, but said he was concerned by his recent lack of gametime with the Black Cats.
"I'm glad to be called to the national team by coach Choi Kang-Hee for the first time," he said. "I have not played many games this season so I'm little bit worried about my form.
"But I've kept worked hard and I'm going to keep doing it here with familar faces I know."
He continued: "I think I've gained something from the year. I've seen much, heard much and learned much. I can't say exactly what it is but I'm definitely better in every way. I just want to show it to fans."
South Korea take on Spain in a friendly in Switzerland on May 30, before World Cup qualifiers against Qatar (June 8) and Lebanon (June 13).
Follow Ben Somerford on 
Follow Goal.com Asia on and 
for the latest in Asian footballing news, features, and analysis
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Player Ratings: Dortmund 1-2 Bayern
Goal.com rates the players on show as die Roten edge out their Bundesliga rivals to complete the double after a closely contested Champions League final at Wembley
-
Robben is finally Bayern's braveheart
The winger was the driving force behind the German outfit's triumph after years of playing second fiddle in the final
-
Pep has a lot to live up to after Bayern win
The Catalan coach was appointed in January with a view to getting the best out of the Bavarians' golden generation. But just four months on, they are already European champions
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
