That result means Gyeongnam travel to China knowing another win would move them into the top two in Group E with a game to play.

“Of course, [the win against Kashima] is a big boost and gives us confidence but every game is hard and Shandong is another difficult game,” said Mutch.

“I expect a very tough match and it’s very difficult because Pelle brings a massive threat to any team and it’s shown by his goals this year in the competition.

“Yes, a draw would be a good result and [could] keep us in good position to qualify, but a win would be great; the target has always been to qualify and go as far as possible.”

After starting his career with Birmingham City in England, Mutch enjoyed spells at Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace, among other clubs, and the 27-year-old has made more than 70 appearances in the English Premier League.

He then spent 2018 on loan at Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps before the move to Changwon to join AFC Champions League debutants Gyeongnam – who finished a best-ever second in the K League last year – marked his first foray into Asian football.

“The AFC Champions League really persuaded me to make the jump to have an opportunity to play against the best Asia has to offer,” admitted Mutch.

“It’s been a very different experience, but it’s been good to play against new opposition and in stadiums I’ve never been to before. All this experience will help me and the AFC Champions League has been an awesome competition to play in.

“It’s great playing against top teams in Asia and having to adapt to different styles of football. The organisation of the competition is great and the standard of teams has made it a real high-level competition.”