KEDAH coach Aidil Sharin Sahak has yet to decide on suspended centre-back Renan Alves’ replacement for their FA Cup final against Perak at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Alves saw red in Kedah’s final Super League fixture against Felda United last Sunday and the Malaysia Football League (MFL) are reported to have rejected Kedah Football Association’s (KFA) appeal to put off his suspension.
Aidil’s headache is compounded by the fact that another centre-back, Khairul Helmi Johari, is also injured while Syawal Nordin lacks match fitness.
Three players — Syazwan Tajudin, defensive midfielder Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik and youngster Loqman Hakim Marzuki — are believed to be front-runners to replace Alves.
Aidil was seen trying out defensive midfielder Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik and Shakir Hamzah in central defence during their training sessions on Tuesday and yesterday.
“If you are in the team, it doesn’t matter whether you are young or old. The most important thing is spirit.
“It is all about character and commitment and giving it your 100 per cent,” said Aidil, who will only make a decision after the team’s final training session on Friday.