Ki vows to help his Scottish team to a title

INCHEON - Celtic FC midfielder Ki Sung-yueng of Korea said Saturday he will work harder to make it to the starting lineup in the upcoming 2010-2011 season.

Ki, who moved to the Scottish club in the middle of the last season on a four-year contract, had rarely appeared in games during the last season.

“Now that I have gained confidence, I should be able to adapt to the team as soon as possible,” said the 21-year-old, citing the recent goal in his club’s exhibition match against English Arsenal. “I know it’s very competitive to be the regular member in my position. But I’ll do my best.”

Ki returned home on Saturday to play in an international friendly between Korea and Nigeria on Wednesday.

He said he also wants to play a role in the newly launched national team under the leadership of coach Cho Kwang-rae.

“I haven’t played with coach Cho, but his football and my play style look very similar,” said Ki, who has been lauded for his accurate passing and work ethic on the pitch.

“My goal is to win the Scottish league title. And also I want to play well in the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Cup.”

The Asian Games will be held in Guangzhou in November and the Asian Cup, a football tournament, is slated for January next year in Qatar.

Yonhap