Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan is urging his Al Ain teammates not to drop their guard as they prepare to face Al-Ittihad in the first leg quarter final clash of the Asian Champions League.

The UAE giants will be hosting the Saudi club in the opening encounter next week.

Al Ain have just concluded their final pre-season training camp in Austria and will be returning to the UAE on Wednesday to finalize their preparations.

Zlatko Dalic’s team is determined to atone for their dreadful domestic campaign last season with further progress on the continental front.

They however have to first record a good result before their home crowd in the first leg against Al-Ittihad to give the side a strong platform on which to build upon going forward.

Gyan who is beginning to return to full sharpness is sending a rallying call to his Al Ain teammates to maintain their work rate as the side move into their final preparations before next Tuesday’s clash.

“We did all we could very well be, and it is important for the players to focus on the final stage of preparations as prescribed,” he said.

“We are facing a tough test against a Saudi team at home, and are well aware of the importance of what we have to do until we bring happiness to the wonderful fans.”

Gyan scored two goals during the pre-season training camp in Austria.

He will be heavily relied upon when Al Ain host Al-Ittihad in both legs of their Champions League quarter final clash.