Manchester City defender Sun Jihai's starting position has been put in doubt one day before China meets Bahrain in their Asian Cup opener in Beijing Saturday.

Sun, who joined Kevin Keegan's side in 2002, is fighting hard for a starting place in Dutchman Arie Haan's defense.

"Nobody knows whom Haan will start in tomorrow's match," said a player on condition of anonymity. "He has tried almost everyone of the squad."

Sun, who also played in former English first division side Crystal Palace in 1998, was more mobile in attacking than defense, which has worried Haan because the Dutchman must be cautious in front of a demanding home crowd of 60,000.

Shao Jiayi, who plays for German Bundsliga side Munich 1860, could also be left out of the starting lineup on Saturday.

The left midfielder will have to sit on bench because Haan will likely prefer home-based Zheng Bin or Yan Song.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2004)