Ready to fight for it: Declan Lambert (right) said it was an honour to be called up to the national team and he intends to justify that with some memorable displays. — Kuala Lumpur City’s Facebook
PETALING JAYA: Versatile Kuala Lumpur defender Declan Lambert could be one of the utility players who can make a difference for Malaysia in the King’s Cup starting in Chiang Mai on Sept 22.
And the leftback is hopeful of earning a starting spot in Kim Pan-gon’s team as his 24th birthday falls on Sept 21 – a day before Harimau Malaya’s opener against hosts Thailand.
Declan, however, won’t expect a gift from the coach. He has to compete with Johor Darul Ta’zim’s La’Vere Corbin Ong for the leftback position.
And he has his work cut out as Corbin has been the national side’s mainstay since Pan-gon took over as coach in February.
But a highly motivated Declan said he was game for the “competition” with Corbin.
“I’m aware of Corbin’s prowess and reputation. But competing with him for a spot in the first XI will only make me better,” he said.
“It’ll be nice if I get picked for the first game as my birthday is just a day before that but it doesn’t work that way.
“The coach will only choose who is the fittest for a position.
“But even if I’m not used as a leftback, it’s fine with me as I’ve played as rightback, centreback and even defensive midfielder for KL. I’m ready if the coach wants to try me out in other areas.”
Declan said it was an honour to be called up to the national team and he intends to justify that with some memorable displays.
His call-up, though, has left the City Boys in a bit of a fix. KL will not have Declan for two Super League games on Sept 24 (against Penang) and Sept 28 (Sarawak United).
They also have the AFC Cup Inter-Zone final against Uzbekistani club PFC Sogdiana at the Sogdiana Stadium on Oct 5 but fortunately, Declan will be back in time for that.
Meanwhile, Pan-gon has appointed Safawi Rasid as one of the three team captains for the King’s Cup along with Syafiq Ahmad and Dion Cools.
Syafiq, Dion, goalkeeper Farizal Marlias and Safiq Rahim, were the four skippers during the 2023 Asian Cup qualifying campaign last June but the absence of Farizal and Safiq this time has paved the way for Safawi to step up as a leader.
