Ticking all the right boxes earns Lowry JDT extension

Shane Lowry speaks to the press after extending his deal. - Photo by JDT

PETALING: It comes as no surprise to see Shane Lowry penning a new deal with Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim.

The 32-year-old Australian centreback, who initially joined the Southern Tigers on a six-month deal, signed a two-year extension at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri yesterday.

The tall and imposing Lowry is beginning to earn a reputation as a ‘tank’ in the Malaysian League and forms an intimidating partnership with Brazilian Mauricio Santos.

“I just came here and focused on playing. I let my actions do the talking. I’m glad that I’ve extended my stay here.

“JDT have the whole package. Special mention to the boss (Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) as well. The way he runs the club, it’s top-notch and professional,” said Lowry, who last played for Qatari club Al-Ahli.

“I’m excited about the future and the hard work starts now. There is more improvement to come.

“Mauricio is an amazing player. We work well, but it’s not just about him and me.

“The squad is not separated by the attack, defence and midfield. We play and defend as a team. That’s what I like about JDT.”

Lowry played seven Super League games and five AFC Champions League matches while in the Malaysia Cup, he started in the first-two against Kelantan and Petaling Jaya City where they kept two clean sheets.

Coach Benjamin Mora expects the future to be brighter with Lowry around.

“In JDT, we always look for good players. Shane is a complete player.

“He is good technically, tactically and physically. We needed a left-footed centreback and he was a great option. Not to forget his winning mindset, which is in line with the club’s principles,” said the Mexican.

“When he joined us for the Champions League, he didn’t have much match fitness because he didn’t play for a few months after leaving Al-Ahli. But in the five games he played, he showed great tenacity.

“As the coach, I’m happy to have him.”