Cho to evaluate Korean forward in Hamburg

National football team manager Cho Kwang-rae is set to travel to Hamburg, Germany to evaluate forward Son Heung-min in person.

“I will travel with my assistant coach Park Tae-ha to Germany to take in the game between Hamburg SV and Hanover 96 on Nov. 20,” said Cho.

Son scored the first goal of his professional career against FC Cologne on Oct. 31, becoming the youngest Korean player to score a goal in a European league and breaking a 39-year-old club record to become the youngest Hamburg player to score a goal.

“Son is the type of player who can become a starter in the 2014 Brazil World Cup,” said Cho. “If he continues to play in Europe and gains experience, he can become a top-flight player.”

Cho had considered selecting Son to the national team for the Sept. 7 friendly game against Iran (1-0 loss). However, Son had been recovering from a broken toe after his left foot suffered in a preseason game in August.

Cho also said he will consider giving forward Lee Keun-ho of Gamba Osaka another shot. Lee has been playing well of late, scoring two goals against Omiya Ardija on Oct. 16 and adding another goal against Vissel Kobe on Oct. 30.