Ahn set for surprise Korea recall

Attacking midfielder Ahn hit the headlines when he scored against Italy to put co-hosts South Korea into the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, a goal that cost Ahn his job as his Italian club Perugia famously cancelled his contract.

Ahn, 34, now with Chinese side Dalian Shide, has won over 60 caps for the national team but last represented his country in June 2008.

"(Assistant coach) Jung (Hae-sung) will go to China to check on Ahn's condition," the Korean Football Association said in a statement.

Huh had previously said Ahn was still in his thoughts.

"The door is always open for him," he had said. "I will be keeping an eye on him."

South Korea have been drawn alongside Nigeria, Argentina and Greece in Group B for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which starts on June 11.