KUALA LUMPUR: The pint-sized Faiz Helmi Jali gets a recall to plug the big holes in the national men's hockey team.
The veteran defender, who was not called up for national training in March, is now included in the Speedy Tigers' playing Tour of Europe.
The 31-year-old, who has 215 caps, last played for Malaysia in the Olympic Qualifiers in Muscat, Oman, in January.
Because of Malaysia's leaky defence in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in May and Nations Cup in Poland recently, national coach Sarjit Singh has to draft in Faiz for the European Tour from July 1-14.
Will Faiz be able to strengthen the Malaysian defence? We will know when world No. 12 Malaysia play world No. 1 Netherlands, Olympic champions Belgium and world world champions Germany and Asian Games champions India in friendlies in the European tour.
Sarjit said after the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Nations Cup, it was evident that the team need more experienced players.
''That's why we called up Faiz as he has vast experience playing in defence," added Sarjit.
The squad for the Europe Tour:
Goalkeepers: Zaimi Mat Deris, Che Shahrul Azmi Che Saufi
Defenders; Marhan Jalil (captain), Faiz Helmi Jali, Amirul Hamizan Azhar, Syafiq Hassan, Faris Harizan, Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin, Syarman Mat Tee
Midfielders: Fitri Saari, Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shello Silverius, Alfarico Lance Liau, Syawal Abdul Razak,
Forwards: Faizal Saari, Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Tengku Nasrul Ikmal Hakimie Tengku Abd Rahim, Nur Rahull Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi