Japan's own Gattuso ready to break pain barrier

HANOI, July 20 (Reuters) Japan's Keita Suzuki is ready to break the pain barrier to play against Australia in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The holders suffered a scare when midfield enforcer Suzuki, Japan's own version of Italy hard man Gennaro Gattuso, limped out of training before Saturday's clash in Hanoi.

''It's the calf that's the problem,'' Suzuki told Reuters today. ''It's fine when I'm just walking on it but it tightens up when I run. I'll see how it reacts to training today.'' Suzuki, instantly recognisable with his ponytail and yellow boots, is the only player to appear in all 13 matches Japan have contested since Bosnian coach Ivica Osim took over last year.

As docile off the pitch as he is a snarling presence on it, Suzuki smiled: ''The coach seems to like me. My job is to do the dirty work to get our best players on the ball. I intend to take some part in the game.'' Osim himself quickly grew irritated at further questions on the issue of revenge after Japan's stunning late collapse in a 3-1 defeat by Australia at the 2006 World Cup.

''The shock for me is that you're still shocked a year after it happened,'' the 66-year-old growled at Japanese reporters.

''Stop being shocked and get over it. Get on with your lives!'' Osim called tomorrow's match the biggest of his year in charge and spun the well-worn line that it was the Australians who were clear favourites.

''They're bigger with more talented individual players,'' he said. ''It has to be the most difficult game I have had as Japan coach. Australia are a very dangerous team.'' ''Australia struggled at the start of this Asian Cup but that's what happened to Brazil at the Copa America and they won the tournament. Australia could do the same.'' Osim was giving little away about his plans to overcome Australia's physical threat and take his side a step closer to a third successive Asian Cup title.

''I know Australia are very big and very powerful,'' snapped the firebrand Bosnian. ''If it was a wrestling match we would be in serious trouble.

''But maybe we'll have some luck. Maybe Mark Viduka will fall down in the hotel lobby and injure himself. It is very slippery!'' REUTERS TB VV1345