While his favoured position is in the centre of midfield, Ahmedov is likely be deployed as a centre-back during the tournament as national coach Vadim Abramov looks for defensive options following a spate of injuries that has decimated his preferred back four.

Ahmedov admitted to www.the-afc.com that he would prefer a more attacking role but the 23-year-old, who has scored four international goals for his country, will do whatever it takes to help his team.

“I think that as a professional player, I should be able to play everywhere so it is not a problem for me to play in defence or anywhere else,” said Ahmedov, who made his international debut at the age of 19 in October 2007.

“If the coach wants me to play in defence, then I will play there. But it does not mean that I must only play in defence all the time and I will try to go forward whenever I can as I like to attack.”

The match against hosts Qatar at the Khalifa Stadium will mark Ahmedov’s first appearance in the Asian Cup finals and the Pakhtakor player feels that it could be Uzbekistan’s key game of the group stage.

“This is the first time that I’m playing in the Asian Cup so I’m expecting a lot of pressure from this game,” he said.

“Of course, the first game of a tournament is very important for every team and the game against Qatar will be difficult because they are a strong team, they have a good offensive line and they are playing at home.

“It will probably be the key game of the group stage for us but I am confident that we can win the game tomorrow and get our first three points.”