Urawa Reds coach Holger Osieck is hoping Shinji Ono can play a key role in the absence of injured star Robson Ponte as the Saitama giants look to finish the season on a high at the FIFA Club World Cup.

News photoReds coach Holger Osieck smiles while speaking at a Tokyo news conference for the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday. KYODO PHOTO

After winning the AFC Champions League in November, Urawa's world has caved in and the Reds struck rock-bottom on Saturday when they conceded the J.League title to Kashima Antlers on the final day of the season.