Davies eager to give Harimau Malaya a boost
PETALING JAYA: Defender Matthew Davies is looking forward to taking his good form from the national Under-23 squad to the senior team in their 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers Group B away match against Hong Kong on Oct 10.
The Pahang skipper, who helped the Under-23 team win the silver medal at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last month, has received his second call-up under Portuguese coach Eduardo Vingada.
He was dropped by Vingada after picking up a groin injury during the team’s centralised training in Johor Baru ahead of their Group B opener against Lebanon in June. Malaysia lost that match 2-1.
Matthew, who is among five Under-23 players called up for the senior team’s centralised training camp, admitted that “this is a big step up for us”.
“I’m excited to return to the national team. I missed the last few call-ups due to my assignments with the Under-23 team and injuries,” said Davies, who’s expected to report for centralised training at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya tomorrow.
“I want to prove myself to Vingada because I have yet to feature under him.
“We had a good run in the SEA Games, which ended with us winning the silver. Before that, the team also did well to win the AFC Under-23 qualifiers in Bangkok without me.
“We’ll be looking to bring that form and consistency into the senior team.
“Although it’s a big step up, we hope to contribute something to an already very good senior squad.”
The Harimau Malaya are last in the four-team Group B of the Asian Cup qualifiers, with just a point from two matches.
Lebanon lead the group with the maximum six points, followed by Hong Kong – two points from three matches. North Korea, with one point after one match, are third on better goal difference.
Davies, who is enjoying a short vacation in Perth, seems certain to be in the starting XI due to the absence of four Johor Darul Ta’zim players – S. Kunalan, Mohd Azrif Nasrulhaq Badrul Hisham and Mahalli Jasuli – as well the suspended Rizal Ghazali of Kedah.
But marauding rightback Davies doesn’t think so.
“Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the national team. I want to make the starting XI, but do does everyone else. Everyone will be working extra hard in training,” said Davies.
We hope to contribute something to an already very good senior squad.
Matthew Davies