Wolves In Spotlight

The FA Cup always throws out a tie that creates a national focus on at least one club's fortunes. And occasionally, one that goes further.

Come 4 o'clock Sunday viewers from around the world will be tuning in to see Glenn Hoddle's men pit their wits against the might of Manchester United.

That's due in part to the phenomenal following United have abroad, but it's also down to side Glenn Hoddle has quietly built in The Black Country.

Players from South Korea, Hungary and Poland, Wales, Scotland and Ireland as well as a healthy spread of Englishmen now make up the team that will meet two time European champions United at Molineux.

Wolves profile in Asia was given a boost when former manager Dave Jones pulled off a transfer coup signing Ki-Hyeon Seol from Anderlecht in 2004.

Seol became the first player from his homeland to play professionally in this country, and to this day still has his own Korean press pack that follow his every move.

Since then others have followed, including Ji-sung Park foe Manchester United. But though the two are international teammates, this will be the first time the two have met since Park went to United.

'It would be good to play against him,' said Seol. 'We have talked many times on the telephone but I haven't met him in England yet because of the work schedules of our clubs.' said Seol.

When Seol first signed for Wolves he knew very little of the club's past, but wasted no time in finding out about Wolves past endeavours.

'When I joined Wolves I knew it was a big club but I didn't know much else. But I have now learned some of the history and feel very proud to be here.'

And he knows that whilst his arrival has increased awareness of the team, only one thing will make Wolves players idols at home. But a win on Sunday afternoon certainly isn't going to do them any harm.

'Since I signed, people back in Korea are more aware of Wolves but the main interest is still in the Premiership sides.

'I want to play in the Premiership and if Wolves were there the club's profile would definitely be higher in Korea than it is now.

'If we can beat United it will be like a dream. They have a lot of fans but people like to see something different so a Wolves win would be good.' Seol said.

A Wolves Cup run would do wonders for team moral. There would also be no better place to advertise the club's ambition than in front of the Sky television cameras against Manchester United.

If Wolves do manage to upset the bookies, and pull off the win fans are hoping, there are sure to be more than a few sore heads and eyes watching the 5th round draw with interest in Wolverhampton.

And maybe a few outside the proud City as well.