The French pro soccer team FC Metz has promoted defender Kang Jin-wook to its first team.

The team's Web site on Wednesday announced that the 20-year-old Kang is on the 16-man roster for Thursday's game against Olympique Marseille in the fourth round of France's soccer cup.

Kang's agent said Metz Coach Joël Muller urged the acquisition of more young players after his team lost Monday to Lille, 3-1.

Metz had earlier allowed striker Ahn Jung-hwan to leave for Germany's Bundesliga after the player failed to impress.

Kang has been on the first team for two friendly games, but he could see his first regular action in France against Marseille.

In 2002, Kang was among the first students sent by the Korea Football Association to France to learn soccer, and played in the 2003 under-17 world championships in Finland.