South Korea's Park ready for World Cup challenge

SEOUL, May 26: After silencing the critics who said he would rarely get off the bench at Manchester United, Park Ji-sung is now out to prove that South Korea are no one-hit World Cup wonders.

The livewire midfielder, labelled ''Park Bench'' by cynics prior to his arrival in Manchester, has made more than 40 appearances for United since his reported four-million-pound (7-million dollar) transfer from PSV Eindhoven last year.

Park's vibrant performances have earned him kudos from United manager Alex Ferguson, who described him as ''fantastic'' this season despite scoring only two goals.

''He adds something different to the way we play, with his movement and desire to find space,'' said Ferguson.

''He gets into good positions and is a good finisher and a couple of goals would do his confidence good.'' Park's trademark dynamic displays will have made pleasant viewing for South Korea coach Dick Advocaat, who will be hoping the pint-sized midfielder can reproduce the kind of form that led Korea to the 2002 semi-finals on home soil under Guus Hiddink.

Egged on by father figure Hiddink, the painfully shy Park finally broke out of his shell in 2002 with a series of rambunctious performances as South Korea conquered Portugal, Italy and Spain before falling to Germany in the semi-finals.

Park continued his education under Hiddink at PSV, growing in confidence if not stature, before Manchester United came calling.

Many thought he would buckle under the pressure of playing for the world's most famous club. Others said he would be swept aside in the rough and tumble of the Premier League.

Such challenges were nothing new to the 1.75-metre Park, who as a youngster had to work harder and train longer than any of his team mates just to compensate for his slender build.

He even swallowed boiled frog extract as a schoolboy because his parents said it would make him grow.

The benefits of the frog juice are debatable. Park's standing as a giant in the eyes of South Korean soccer fans is not.

REUTERS