South Korea veteran Ahn Jung-Hwan could be set for a shock return to the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Ahn famously scored the golden goal that knocked Italy out of the 2002 World Cup and scored the winner against Togo in 2006.

Coach Huh Jung-Moo sent his assistant Jung Hae-Sung to check on the Dalian Shide striker, suggesting the chances of the 34-year-old earning a recall for the March 3 friendly against Ivory Coast are increasing.

Ahn is trying to stay calm about the prospect of a first appearance for the national team since June 2008.

"Until now, I haven't thought about it," he told Ilgan Sports. "But it will be an honour if I am selected. I am happy if the coach thinks that I am a player that the national team needs.

"All football players want to play at the World Cup but the results of the national team have been good and I have hardly thought about going to the World Cup. There are many better players than me. I will just keep doing my best."

Ahn, who had a mixed career in Europe with Perugia of Serie A, French club Metz and Germany's MSV Duisberg, paid tribute to some of his successors playing in the big leagues, such as Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United and Park Chu-Young of AS Monaco.

"It is great to see Korean players playing well in Europe. It is a big deal for Korean football," added Ahn.

"(Park Ji-Sung) is a sincere player with lots of European experience and he is performing well."

Striker Park Chu-Young has already scored eight goals this season for AS Monaco and is the number one striker for the Taeguk Warriors.

"Chu-Young is doing well. He chose the right team and they work well together," added Ahn.

South Korea face Greece, Argentina and Nigeria in Group B of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.