KUALA LUMPUR – Korea Republic international Park Ji-sung believes that the Taeguk Warriors can still sparkle at the AFC Asian Cup 2007 despite the absence of four key players due to injury.

However the winger, who has been ruled out of the AFC Asian Cup after undergoing knee surgery in April, has tipped newcomers Australia as the team to beat when the tournament kicks off this weekend.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the AFC, the Manchester United player expressed his disappointment at missing out on this summer’s football extravaganza.

“I was looking forward to playing in this prestigious football event but, unfortunately, I am unable to take part in it due to my injury. Nevertheless, I hope that all Asian football fans enjoy a festival of Asian football this month,” he said.

Korea are one of the favourites to lift the title in Jakarta on July 29 but their hopes of securing the first AFC Asian Cup victory since 1960 have been hit hard by a spate of injuries that will sideline Park, forward Seol Ki-hyeon, full back Lee Young-pyo and defensive midfielder Kim Nam-il.

“It will be tough for the Korean team because they will be missing a number of experienced players. However, Korea should still have a strong enough side to compete in the Asian Cup because of the country’s young talented players,” said Park.

“I am sure that the tournament will give the team a chance to move forward with these young players.”

Park though believes that Australia are the favourites to win the 16-team tournament and has welcomed the addition of the Socceroos to the Asian football family.

“I think it could be Australia because they qualified for the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup last year and the experience of their players in Europe makes them one of the best teams at the Asian Cup.

“I believe that their participation will help Asian football to improve and rapidly move to a higher level in world football.

“It provides a great foundation to make Asian football stronger and gives fans more of a chance to watch a better quality of football in Asia.”