Kim Swee pinning hopes on captain

NATIONAL coach Ong Kim Swee hopes team captain Adam Nor Azlin will make a return to full fitness in time for their AFC Under-23 Championship Group C clash with Jordan today.

Adam was hampered by fever prior to the team’s 4-1 defeat against Iraq on Wednesday but he still managed a spirited performance at the heart of defence in the match.

Kim Swee said Adam has shown improvement and he is also monitoring N. Thanabalan, who picked up a hamstring injury in the same game.

“Thanabalan is still injured and we will be monitoring his progress. Adam is getting better and how he does in training today will determine whether he makes the team,” said Kim Swee.

If Adam and Thanabalan fail to recover in time, Adib Zanuddin and Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid will likely fill in for them.

Having lost to Iraq, it is a do-or-die for the national squad against Jordan.

Kim Swee, however, remains optimistic of their chances. “We have the same chance, we cannot lose. At the same time you have to remember that Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are the favourites and are quite well balanced.

“We have to double our focus and learn from what happened in the game against Iraq.”

Adam is getting better and how he does in training today will determine whether he makes the team.