SEPANG: Youngster Haqimi Azim Rosli understands well that he has big shoes to fill if he is picked to lead the forward line against Kyrgyzstan in Thursday's World Cup Group D qualifier in Bishkek.
The KL City player could become coach Kim Pan Gon's top choice following injuries to strikers Darren Lok, Arif Aiman, Romel Morales, Syafiq Ahmad, and Faisal Halim.
The other options are Paulo Josue, Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob, Safawi Rasid, Akhyar Rashid, Paulo Josue, and Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin.
Despite the vacancies in the attacking department, Haqimi is aware that he still needs to compete for a spot with other seasoned players.
"It will be quite challenging as I need to secure a spot first in the starting eleven. I must adapt quickly and give my best in whatever position the coach sets for me," said Haqimi, 21, when met at KLIA here on Tuesday.
"We are without many strikers, but we have Josue, myself, and many others who can play as strikers.
"If I am picked as the No. 9, I will do my best and prove to Malaysians that I can do a good job."
World No. 138 Malaysia are on a must-win mission against Kyrgyzstan to remain in contention for the third round of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Harimau Malaya are third in Group D with six points.
Kyrgyzstan and Oman have nine points each, but the former are at the top of the standings on goal difference. Taiwan have yet to secure points.
Although Malaysia edged world No.100 Kyrgyzstan 4-3 in the first match in Bukit Jalil last year, the weakened Pan Gon's side face a difficult mission in Bishkek.
Haqimi, who earned his first cap at the 2022 AFF Cup and scored a goal in that tournament, admitted that the current mission with the national team is much harder.
"This time, the responsibility is huge because I have not played for the senior squad for a long time. I will be proud of myself if the team reaches the third round.
"Throughout the week of training, I played as No. 7 and 9. The coach wants the players to score goals."