DAVIES OUT TO IMPRESS VINGADA
Pahang captain wants to be included in the national team
DEVINDER SINGH devinder@nst.com.my away draw against the Philippines in a friendly match in March.
“He brings a new energy to the group, there is a lot of enthusiasm and players are generally happy to be called in and excited to play under him.”
Davies is expected to start Tuesday’s Group B qualifier at the Hong Kong Stadium ahead of Perak newcomer Amirul Azhan Aznan in the absence of Rizal, who along with centre-back Aidil Zafuan Radzak, was sent off in Malaysia’s 1-1 draw with Hong Kong in Melaka last month.
“It’s just preparation as usual and suspensions and injuries are a normal part of football,” said Davies. “It’s very much players in and out but we are all professionals and are used to that.
“Despite having someone ahead of you, you prepare for every game like you are going to play. It’s a must-win game but there is no additional pressure. We have it in the back of our heads that it’s a very important game.”
The disappointment of losing 10 to Thailand in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games final in August still lingers for Davies, who also had to deal with Pahang’s elimination from the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals by Perak.
“I’ve been with the national team for three years now and just as long with the Under-22 side, so switching between the two teams isn’t too difficult and I’m used to it now,” added Davies.
“Losing the Sea Games final has been mentally tough more anything but also very draining on my body. I’m tired and looking forward to a break in the off-season. Now that club football is finished, this is now one of the last battles of the year.”