Leftback Nazirul ready to step in if Syazwan is unfit

PETALING JAYA: Leftback Nazirul Naim Che Hashim might stand a chance to play in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final against Thailand if Muhammad Syazwan Andik Mohd Ishak is not fit for the game.

The 25-year-old Perak player said he is up for the match and would only give his best for Malaysia at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec 5.

“As a player, you are eager to play for your national team. Syazwan has been playing well on the left. If given the chance by coach (Tan Cheng Hoe), I will give my 100%.

“Whether I am a first eleven player or substitute, I am looking forward to Rajamangala. Only victory is in our mind,” he said.

Syazwan hobbled off in the first leg of the semi-final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil due to a hamstring strain.

Cheng Hoe said the injury was not serious but was not sure if the Kuala Lumpur player will be 100% fit for the second leg.

Nazirul said he has no problem adapting to Malaysia’s possession-based game and if needed to raise the tempo or intensity, he is able to do it.

“I have played in several knockout stages for Perak this season. The pressure is different but the experience helps me. This year has been great for me personally as I won the Malaysia Cup with my beloved state and now I want to end it by winning the AFF Suzuki Cup with Malaysia.”

Another fullback Muhammad Syahmi Safari said Malaysia did not have the luck to score against Thailand but things might turn in Harimau-Malaya’s favour in Bangkok.

“The first leg was one of our best performances in the tournaments. We created numerous chances but could not convert them. We were nervous but spirited.

“For me, nothing is impossible. We are going to Bangkok with a winning mindset. At the moment, we have some aspects to work on and I am sure the coach will have a way to fix it,” said the 20-year-old Syahmi.