Davies: I still need to earn my spot in the squad

PETALING JAYA: Matthew Davies believes experience alone is not enough to earn a spot in the starting XI for the AFC Under-23 championship in Jiangsu, China.

Malaysia, who are in Group C in the championship, are the only non-Middle Eastern country. Coach Ong Kim Swee’s boys will open their campaign against Iraq (Jan 10) and Jordan (Jan 13) before playing Saudi Arabia in Kunshan on Jan 16.

The Pahang skipper has featured 14 times for the senior team and has had the experience of playing against the Saudis.

Davies admitted he holds an edge over his teammates based on experience but added he still has to earn his place just like the rest of the players.

“Experience itself won’t be enough to make the first team. Everyone need to be at their best mentally and physically to play for the national team,” he said.

“Like the others, I’m fighting hard for the spot and it’s up to the coach to pick the best player who suits his plans.”

Kim Swee is set to drop three players from his 26-player squad after their training-cum-playing stint in Mokpo, South Korea (Dec 16- 30).

“Only after the stint in Mokpo, will we know the coach’s plans and until he names the final 23 players, everyone will be jostling to make the squad,” added Davies.

“I’m confident of my abilities and I have been working hard in training. I joined camp later than the others but after some intensive training I think I’m at the same level with them.”

The Australia-born player, who operates as a rightback for Pahang, is used as a right winger in Kim Swee’s 3-5-2 formation.

He revelled in his new role and helped Malaysia to the silver medal in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

“I’ve played at right wing before so I have no problem playing further up and I enjoy the freedom of going forward.

“I have no problem playing anywhere ... I just want to play,” said Davies.