Sun confirmed up to front against Kuwait
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-02-17 16:20

Manchester City defender Sun Jihai was confirmed to start as midfielder to bolster China's attack at Wednesday's World Cup qualifier game here against Kuwait.

China's playmaker Li Tie had been confirmed to miss the game due to injury. Sun, who can play both defensive and attacking roles, was moved up to midfield to test the Kuwaiti defense line.

"I am still not yet certain where I will play Sun," Chinese national team head coach Arie Haan had told sports newspaper Sports weekly. "All I know is that his role will take on a more attacking stance. In that sense, it is confirmed he will not be playing in defense.

"I am aware that he is deployed in a right back role at City but whatever the formation I might choose to use, it can be assured that he will be pushed further up front."

Sun himself also hoped to play an attacking role.

"It is not up to me to choose the position," he said. "Personally, I prefer to play further up front because attacking is a fine experience for any player. I was placed for different positions during the training and I am very satisfied with my performance.

"Being used on either flank doesn't really bother me. I have played in various positions during my time in the national team as I am comfortable with using either foot. I am quite happy to play in any position that the team requires.

"I'm still willing to play for China's national squad, especially for World Cup games, even if it will bring negative influence to my position at the Manchester City. I'm still sorry for the 2002 World Cup," Sun added.

The Manchester City defender got himself injured during the early minutes of China's opening 2002 World Cup Finals match against Costa Rica and then he missed the two following matches, against Brazil and Turkey.