Football

Luqman released to join senior camp

Harimau Malaya's first training camp in more than a year will be held in Johor on March 22-30.

FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Stuart Ramalingam said: "We are finalising details, and it is in its final stages."

The national body are expected to release the call-up list tomorrow.

National coach Tan Cheng Hoe said the camp at Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) training centre will motivate the players.

"It is because JDT have the best training facilities in Southeast Asia," said Cheng Hoe.

Belgian-based Luqman Hakim Shamsudin has been released by KV Kortrijk to attend the national camp.

He will have to observe quarantine for seven days before he can join the team.

"Luqman has been preparing himself with the Belgian club and is motivated to join the senior camp for the first time.

"I believe he will enjoy his stint with the senior team.

"He has a good future ahead of him as a striker," said Cheng Hoe.

However, JDT's Safawi Rasid and Selangor's Halim Saari are injured and unlikely to join the camp.

"We will discuss with the medical team and see whether he (Safawi) can join the camp.

"However, we do not want to push him as the priority is for him to get back on his feet.

"I hope, however, he will be ready for the pre-World Cup/ Asian Cup in June," said Cheng Hoe.

Liridon Krasniqi and Junior Eldstal will not be joining the camp.

Krasniqi made his A-League debut with Newcastle Jets as an 85th-minute substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Sydney FC on Saturday, while Eldstal plays for Chonburi FC in the Thai League I.

The United Arab Emirates will host the remaining pre-World Cup/Asian Cup Group G matches.

Malaysia take on the UAE on June 3, followed by Vietnam on June 11 and Thailand four days later.

Malaysia are second in Group G with nine points from three wins after five games, behind leaders Vietnam on 11. Indonesia make up the group.

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