Zheng Zhi returns from injury in time for Shandong Luneng's AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg clash at home to defending champions Al Ittihad on Wednesday.

Shandong racked up six straight victories in the group stage, and the former Shenzhen Jianlibao star is keen to keep his new club's unbeaten run intact as the Jinan club gun for continental glory.

"I tore my ankle ligaments in a match with Liaoning on 9 July, but luckily the doctor said it wasn't that serious and I've been back in training for some time and I came on in the second half against Shenyang Ginde so hopefully I'll get to start against Al Ittihad," said Asian Champions League top scorer Zheng to FIFA.com.

On the domestic front Shandong are a whopping sixteen points behind CSL leaders Dalian, but have reached the semi-finals of both cup competitions. "There is general disappointment at the club over our league form, but we're in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and still, of course, hope to continue our run on the continental stage," added Zheng. "As a national team member, I also feel a certain responsibility to show that Chinese football has improved - even at club level. Against our Asian rivals we represent not only our club, but our country."

Al Ittihad have strengthened their squad with the loan signing of former Inter Milan forward Mohamed Kallon from Monaco, but according to Zheng Zhi there are no easy opponents in the final stages of the Champions League. "It really doesn't matter that we've landed the champions in the quarters. We're professionals and realise we have to defeat previous winners in order to become the best ourselves," he said.

"But by playing at home first we will focus on attacking and scoring goals, then the pressure will be on Al Ittihad as they will be forced into an obvious game plan in the away leg. If we can achieve a comfortable victory, we'll be able to sit back and attack on the break."

(Sinosoc.com September 14, 2005)