Man Utd's Dong looking for Asian football cup boost

Chinese football player Dong Fangzhuo headers the ball during a training session in Kuala Lumpur, 06 July 2007, ahead of the Asian Football Cup which begins 07 July. The Manchester United forward is hoping a successful Asian Cup can help him break into the English Champion's first team.

Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo is hoping a successful Asian Cup can help him break into the English champions' first team.

Dong, 22, made his debut in May but he faces stiff competition in a glittering line-up bolstered by the arrival of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson.

The Red Devils are also attempting to tie-up a deal with Carlos Tevez.

"The Asian Cup is a very high-level tournament and definitely the experience gained in this tournament will help me to be stronger in the club. It definitely helps," he told AFP.

The talented youngster with an eye for goal is expected to play a key role in China's campaign alongside ex-Charlton City man Zheng Zhi and striker Han Peng.

Dong has racked up hatfuls of goals for United feeder club Royal Antwerp since leaving Dalian Shide in January 2004, top-scoring in his first season with the Belgian side.

He said he was "100 percent" ready for the Asian Cup and hoped to spend as much time on the pitch as possible.

"I don't have a specific goal. Whether I play every match depends on the coach. I would like to do my best and do whatever is needed," he said.

"I want to score as many goals as possible for the national team and help us win this tournament."

Dong is finally eligible to play in England but whether he can cut it alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo remains to be seen.

Chinese football player Dong Fangzhuo performs stretching exercises during a training session in Kuala Lumpur, 06 July, ahead of the Asian Football Cup which begins 07 July. Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhou is hoping a successful Asian Cup can help him break into the English Champion's first team.

However, he was confident China can shrug off recent poor form and emulate their run to the 2004 final.

"The national team is in very good condition now with good fitness and a good mentality. There's a very good atmosphere in the team and a great relationship between the players," Dong said.

"We can beat anyone in this tournament so there's no problem for us."

Dong has signed a contract extension keeping him in Manchester until 2010 after impressing coach Alex Ferguson during his apprenticeship.

"Dong has been doing exceptionally well and scoring a lot of goals at Antwerp," Ferguson has said.

"He's got some terrific attributes. He is lightning quick, has a marvellous physique and is a very athletic boy."

Dong said internationals were a completely different proposition to club football, although it gave him added incentive to do well.

"Playing for a club you're just representing a city but playing for the national team, you're representing your country," he said.

"So it's a bigger honour and more pressure for me, and more incentive."

China are drawn in a tough Group C with Iran, Uzbekistan and co-hosts Malaysia, whom they face on Tuesday.