Cheng Hoe prepares injury-hit national team against Sri Lanka

FACING a growing injury list, national coach Tan Cheng Hoe may have to start with a couple of new faces in Malaysia’s international friendly against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, tomorrow.

In the latest setback, Perak’s Shahrel Fikri Fauzi came down with a groin injury during training on Wednesday at the National Sports Council field, adding to Cheng Hoe’s concerns over his starting 11 against Vietnam in a World Cup qualifier on Oct 10.

Earlier, Perak’s Shahrul Saad, Brendan Gan, J. Partiban, Pahang’s Nor Azam Azih, Felda United’s Daniel Amir Norhisham and Selangor’s Abdul Halim Saari all reported for the first day of centralised training on Monday with injuries after their Malaysia Cup campaign.

“The job of a coach is to find alternatives and options. This is a chance for those who don’t regularly get national call-up, to show that they deserve a spot,” said Cheng Hoe.

“I have to give chances to each (new) player. I always remind them not to feel pressured. What’s important is they rise to the challenge and focus on every match.

“We want to maintain our momentum to get match fitness and for the team to win back confidence.

“At the same time, we need to strengthen up defensively. We are still able to create chances but are lacking goals.”

For “stability” in defence, Cheng Hoe has called up Sabah’s Azizan Nordin, JDT’s Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Halim. However, their places in the first 11 are not guaranteed.

“We have to give them a chance, especially Azizan because he’s in the plans to play against Sri Lanka.

“We need Aidil’s experience for team stability but it doesn’t mean that when Aidil comes in, we won’t concede any goals. But we need to maintain team spirit.”

Cheng Hoe denied claims that the Harimau Malaya’s evening training sessions have been affected by bad weather (thunder and lightning).

“They (training sessions) should be enough because most of these players are coming from teams who play regularly in the Malaysia Cup. My only concern is that we cannot get more training to strengthen the players’ bond,” said Cheng Hoe.

“But we are feeling positive even though the weather condition doesn’t permit us to train (in the evenings).”