Son must forget Spurs woes, says South Korea coach

Son Heung-min must forget his troubles with struggling Tottenham as South Korea look to clinch a place at next year’s World Cup, his national team coach said Monday.

Son came off the bench at half time to rescue a point for Spurs with a late penalty in a 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth on Sunday.

But the 32-year-old forward has enjoyed less playing time this season and scored just seven Premier League goals as the London club languish in the bottom half of the table.

South Korea can qualify for their 11th straight World Cup if they beat both Oman and Jordan in home qualifiers this month.

Hong Myung-bo named Son in his squad and said the national team was “a completely different setting” for his captain.

Hong insisted that Son’s attempts to help Spurs win their first trophy in 17 years would not affect his performances for his country.

“I don’t want to link the trophy drought with the national team,” the coach said.

“Of course we want Son Heung-min to do well at his club and for him to carry that form into the national team.

“I believe he will continue to do well moving forward,” he added.

Son has struggled with injuries this season and completed 90 minutes just five times since the turn of the year.

Hong said there were no guarantees that Son would start as South Korea face Oman on March 20 and Jordan five days later.

“There are many discussions regarding his recent form, including his goal tally,” he said.

“However, we must not forget everything he has accomplished so far. If he joins us this time, we will communicate about his role and work together to find the best approach possible.”

South Korea are unbeaten in the third round of Asian qualifying, having drawn twice and won the remaining four games.

Hong named a full-strength squad that also features Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae, Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan.

“I want to see a balance between the energy of the young players and the experience of the veterans,” said Hong.

“For that to happen, the younger players need to be confident and embrace the opportunity of being called up.”