Lee Tuck wants to slowly but surely take Turtles into Cup quarter-finals
PETALING JAYA: Lee Tuck has only good memories of his time in Negri Sembilan.
In just one season with the Mousedeer in the Premier League, the Englishman featured in 29 matches and scored nine goals in all competitions.
His lung-bursting performances and incredible long-range goals helped Negri gain promotion to the 2018 Super League.
Today, the 31-year-old midfielder returns to his former hunting ground in different colours.
This time, he will be looking to help Terengganu seal a spot in the quarter-finals by beating his former club in a Group A Malaysia Cup match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
“It’s always special going back to Paroi. I only played there for a year, but my time was enjoyable because of the fans,” said Lee Tuck.
“I still have a good bond and hope to bring back some good memories from the game tomorrow.”
Negri have yet to collect a point after three games, but Lee Tuck still thinks they are a fantastic side.
“They have just been unlucky, I reckon. Negri deserve more points because of their performances. The points will come, and they will be extra motivated to beat an unbeaten team. We have to be on our toes,” he said.
Terengganu and Pahang are the only sides in the Cup to have won their first three matches, but Turtles coach Nafuzi Zain says his team need some improvement.
And Lee Tuck concurred.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve won every game. I think we can be a bit stronger defensively. We shouldn’t concede too many chances. We’ve been lucky because the opposition are not converting them.
“We, on the other hand, have taken our chances well and played some fantastic football, but we will keep mixing our performances.”
Terengganu have drafted in some players from their feeder club, Terengganu II.
Players like Ukranian defender Serhii Andrieiev and midfielders Sharin Sapien and Rahmat Makasuf have blended well with the team and are turning out to be an essential part of Nafuzi’s team.
“They have stepped up and shown they have what it takes. It also shows how well managed the club is.
“Terengganu are producing the right talents, thanks to great training. It bodes well for the team,” said Tuck.
Terengganu topped the group with nine points, followed by Kedah with seven points and PKNS with four.