Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna is confident his side will show their mettle in tonight's opening Asian Champions League clash.

The Mariners host Korean club Pohang Steelers at Bluetongue Stadium and McKinna is adamant his side will be much improved from the team that capitulated late in the domestic season.

"The fighting qualities will be there again - bank on it," McKinna said.

"But we can't be over zealous in our tackles and risk yellow cards by mouthing off to the referee. That's something we learned on our trip to China last week.

"This is a fresh competition and we're prepared physically for a four-month season. We know we are up against a good team but we have to take something out of the game.

"It's really the unknown first up," he added.

"We have tapes on them from last season but they've got six or seven new players.

"One good thing is that they played against Suwon Bluewings (in the K-League) on Saturday the way they did last season.

"It will be very cagey initially. We'll be feeling them out as they will be with us. They have some quality imports and two of those scored at the weekend."