Brendan believes Perak can pull a surprise in qualifiers

PETALING JAYA: Getting a spot in the AFC Champions League is tough but midfielder Brendan Gan believes Perak can cause a shock and qualify for the group stages.

“The AFC Champions League is tough because top clubs from every Asian nation are in it.

“However, I believe we have a great team, and we can progress through to the group stages.

“To have another Malaysian team in the group stages would be great for our football.

“We will kick off the season by playing in the Champions League and we aim to do well in Asia,” said the 30-year-old.

Perak, who finished second in the Malaysia Super League, will be vying for a spot in the group stages by playing Hong Kong club Kitchee Sports Club in the preliminary stage two on Feb 12 and if they beat Kitchee, they will face Ulsan Hyundai in the playoff stage on Feb 19.

If Perak qualify for the group stages of the ACL, they will be placed in Group H with Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale, Australian side Sydney FC and Chinese club Shanghai SIPG.

Brendan, who featured for A-League side Sydney FC from 2008 to 2011, played in the AFC Champions League in his final year with the Australian club.

“I am hopeful that I can play against my old club in the group,” added Brendan.

The player from Sutherland Shire, Australia, proved to be a brilliant signing for Perak last season as he helped them win the Malaysia Cup after 18 years.