The Uzbek international, who has taken part in all the AFC Champions League editions since 2002-03, said his side would be prepared to take on the might of 2009 AFC Champions League runners-up and two-time champions Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad.

“We are pleased with our group opponents. I think Al Ittihad would be the strongest in the group but we will train well in order to get positive results against them,” he told www.the-afc.com.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s charges were placed in Group B alongside Iran’s Zob Ahan, Al Ittihad and the West play-off winners.

"We cannot underestimate Zob Ahan as Iranian teams are traditionally very strong,” he said.

"We will know our third opponent only after the play-off is over but we must respect all rivals and give our 100 per cent on the field.”