Australian striker Josh Kennedy will tonight make his debut in the Asian Champions League. The former Karlsruhe man will saddle up for Japanese outfit Nagoya Grampus in the all-Japanese quarter-final against Kawasaki Frontale and he is excited ahead of the clash.

''I've never played in the Champions League, I don't know if the players here [Asia] treat it the same way as they do in Europe, but for me it's a career highlight,'' he said.

''There's definitely a bit of excitement there. There were a lot of good reasons for me to come to Nagoya, but knowing they were still in the Champions League was definitely one of the considerations.''

Kennedy added that life in Japan was good and he was thoroughly enjoying the difference in game style he is no experiencing.

''So far, so good,'' he said. ''We've settled in really well, the family is happy, I feel relaxed and comfortable, and that's how you want it to be.

''I've played some good games and scored some goals, and I really enjoy the different style of play. Every team here has a fantastic midfield, the long ball is the last resort, and for me that makes a nice change. In Germany, they'd hit the long ball 15 or 20 times in a game. It didn't matter if you had someone up your back.''