Win or bust for Iran's Kaebi

AFP - New Leicester City signing Hossein Kaebi said only an unprecedented fourth Asian Cup win will satisfy Iran.

Kaebi, 21, was ever-present as a teenager in Iran's run to the 2004 semis and said the team had the talent and experience to break their 31-year title drought.

"I want to put on a good show at the Asian Cup and with the team we have now, we will be satisfied with nothing less than winning the competition," he said.

Kaebi flew in from England on Friday after joining Championship outfit Leicester this week on a two-year contract from Iran's Persepolis FC.

The midfielder, who also featured at last year's World Cup finals, said he was excited by the move and pumped up for the tournament here.

"I'm still a little tired after my long flight from England but I'm also very excited after signing my contract with Leicester," he told the Asian Cup website.

"I'm feeling highly motivated right now and I'm determined to play well at the Asian Cup."

Kaebi joins the large contingent of foreign-based players who are hoping to end Iran's long title wait after consecutive wins in 1968, 1972 and 1976.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei will also call upon Bolton midfielder Andranik Teymourian, Frankfurt's Mehdi Mahdavikia, Livorno defender Rahmen Razaei, Hannover's Vahid Hashemian and former Bayern Munich man Ali Karimi.

Kaebi admitted he would need time to adjust to Malaysia's tropical humidity but said Iran would be ready for Wednesday's opener against Uzbekistan.

"As a whole, the team is in good shape and we have no problems right now," he said.

"I think that the main thing now is to get used to the weather and to be ready to play against Uzbekistan."

Iran are favourites in a tricky Group C also including China and co-hosts Malaysia. The Asian Cup kicks off on Saturday in Bangkok, where Thailand play Iraq.