KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor wingback V. Ruventhiran hopes he has done enough to impress Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe for regular starts in the Super League after playing an instrumental role in Malaysia's victory in the Under-23 Merlion Cup in Singapore last week.
The 21-year-old recorded a goal and an assist in the 4-2 win over Cambodia to qualify for the Merlion Cup final. He also featured in Malaysia's 2-1 win over Hong Kong for the title.
Ruventhiran arrived at Selangor from the now-defunct PJ City with a huge reputation following his impressive showing for Harimau Malaya in last year's AFF Cup.
However, he has only featured 20 minutes for Selangor this season, which came in the 4-0 defeat to Johor Darul Ta'zim in a Super League match on March 17.
"I know the fans have been asking why I have not been playing regularly. I am glad that I showed everyone my quality in the Merlion Cup," said Ruventhiran today.
"I only joined Selangor after the AFF Cup, so I need more time to adapt to their tactics.
"I hope to play a bigger role in Selangor's Super League campaign.
"The competition for spots at Selangor is stiff as they have many quality players. I have a good relationship with everyone in the team."
Ruventhiran added that he did not feel it was a demotion turning out for the national Under-23 squad in the Merlion Cup instead of playing for Harimau Malaya in recent friendlies against Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
It is an important year for the national Under-23 squad. They have the Sea Games in May and also the Under-23 Asian Cup, which serves as a qualifier for next year's Paris Olympics.
"The Under-23 team have big assignments this year, and I hope to be part of them. I see this as a chance to get more game time," he added.