The 2008 AFC Player of the Year was asked if the title would put extra pressure on him as he leads his team in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ finals this month.

He replied: “Of course, I was pleased to hear that I was declared best player of the year. This will give me additional impetus and I will try to meet the expectations of everyone who voted for me.

“I will not feel any additional pressure because we have a sense of responsibility that is always there. As always, we are motivated to win.”

Uzbekistan are in Group A with Qatar, Kuwait and China. They face a pressure-filled opening match against hosts Qatar on Friday at Khalifa Stadium.