Son says fit and firing as South Korea close on World Cup spot

Son Heung-min hopes to lead South Korea to the World Cup (Haitham AL-SHUKAIRI)

Son Heung-min dismissed concerns about his form and fitness on Wednesday as he looks to forget his Tottenham woes by firing South Korea to the World Cup.

The 32-year-old attacker has struggled for both during a difficult season with a Spurs team under Ange Postecoglou who are 14th in the Premier League.

Previously one of the first names on the Tottenham teamsheet, Son had a hamstring problem late last year and has come under pressure from fans of the London club for his displays.

The Spurs skipper has scored only seven Premier League goals this season and not played the full 90 minutes in the last five league matches.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of a home World Cup qualifier against Oman, South Korea's captain admitted to some "difficult and challenging" moments with Tottenham.

But he added: "My physical condition is perfectly fine."

Son said that playing in front of the South Korean fans for the first time this year would be extra motivation.

"Our fans always root hard for us and we don't want to let them down," said Son, who has played 131 times for his country, scoring 51 goals.

South Korea are within grasp of a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Victories at home to Oman and again when they host Jordan on Tuesday will guarantee their place at the tournament.

Failing that, they still have two further matches in Asian qualifying to nail down a berth.

South Korea will be missing defensive stalwart Kim Min-jae after the Bayern Munich centre-back suffered an Achilles injury.

bur-pst/rsc

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