QUENTIN Cheng is excited to come from Down Under to start an international career with Malaysia.
The Australian-Malaysian aims to bring his “foreign” expertise into play after being named in the final 20-man squad for the Philippines Sea Games.
Quentin said his ability to play wide, especially as a right-back and flanker, should enable him to contribute to the national Under-22 squad, who start their Group A competition against Myanmar tomorrow.
Quentin received his national call-up on Oct 31 and reported for centralised training on Nov 4.
Quentin, who plays for Sutherland Sharks FC in Sydney, said: “I am proud to be selected for Datuk Ong’s (Kim Swee) team and happy to be playing for Malaysia.
“I would say that I am a wide player, right-back who can move up and down. Combine with the front third and find goals.”
Quentin, who turned 20 last Thursday, admitted it has been quite tough to adapt to the national team.
“It’s been pretty challenging and I’ve had to work harder, be fitter and apply myself more to the playing styles,” he said.
But four players in the national team have become his good friends. “I have become closer to the English-speaking guys, who are Damien Lim (PKNS FC), M. Kogileswaran (Pahang), R. Dinesh (Pahang) and my roommate, goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli (Johor Darul Ta’zim).”