Azkals to miss goalie Etheridge in Suzuki Cup
THE Suzuki Cup has always held a special place in the heart of Azkals’ goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, as it was under his watch six years ago that Philippine football came to prominence,
Since those heady days of 2010, competition when I was younger Etheridge has consolidated himwere second to none, the atmo sphere, the intensity and the teams for the Philippines, but has not pulling together to gain victory.” been able to represent the country The Philippines is hosting the in the Suzuki Cup again.
And with the prestigious biennial its history, a fact which makes it tournament not falling under the tougher for Neil. FIFA Calendar, Neil Etheridge will “The competition being played miss this year’s edition, yet again. on home soil of course is even
“It’s frustrating that the Suzuki more frustrating but there’s nothCup doesn’t fall within internaing I can do about the games being tional dates, but for the past years held outside international dates now I guess I have been used to not so I try not to think about the being involved,” says Etheridge. situation, but no doubt I will be
“It’s disappointing for me on a watching and cheering the Azkals personal level because the experion from England.” ences that I gained from that cup Etheridge however, has full - timistic of the team’s chances this time around.
“The team has looked strong and resilient in the past games that I have played in. I know we still have some injuries but the squad has looked compact and together with a great changing room atmosphere which plays a big part.”
After going through to the semi - kals and the fans are understandably looking forward to going one step further and booking a place
But Etheridge cautions fans not to take the task of getting out of the group lightly, even with home
“I don’t think it really matters what group we were drawn into, both look extremely hard, maybe with our believe the team needs to really take each game on its own merit. Each individual game will be tough and have its own hurdles to jump.
“But, thinking about the semi- finals too early may be a down fall.”
“First the team will need to concentrate of getting out of the group and then have a strategy, playing both home and away, in the knockout rounds.”
Domestically, Etheridge has been in fine form for English League One side Walsall FC, earning plaudits from media and fans alike.
But with Walsall currently at the lower half of the table, he knows that there is a lot of room for improvement.
“The season started with a great win followed by a few results that didn’t go our way but I could see potential. The team is completely new from last year, very young and some with minimal experience.
“As the season goes on I’m sure as behind the scenes the team has a great work ethic and atmosphere.
“On a personal level, I have been playing well and I know I need to keep it up throughout the season to play my part in this team.
“The league this season is ex- tremely hard. Former Premiere League side Bolton were unbeaten until they came to our place. And that also shows maybe the importance of home court advantage.
And it is that home court advantage that Etheridge hopes the Filipino fans would capitalize on, in the Suzuki Cup in Manila.
“The supporters in Manila will play another large factor, getting behind the team and cheering them on, acting as the 12th player. Our past home performances have been good so I hope that this can continue into the Suzuki Cup.”