Versatile: Brendan Gan is game to play a little deeper in defence against Laos today. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Inspirational midfielder Brendan Gan is ready to be Malaysia’s weapon in defence in their AFF Mitsubishi Cup Group B match against Laos at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
With centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee doubtful, the Harimau Malaya have only two options left in that position – Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar and Dominic Tan – and that could be a problem if coach Kim Pan-gon is planning to deploy a three-man defence.
Many observers foresee the South Korean using the likes of fullbacks Azam Azmi Murad and Fazly Mazlan as centrebacks as an alternative.
But there’s another option. Selangor captain Brendan is game to play a little deeper in defence to lighten the load of Malaysia’s backline.
“I’m the type of player, if the coach asks me to be a goalkeeper, I will be a goalkeeper,” said the 34-year-old veteran.
“If the coach thinks we can do a good job in a certain position, we’ll do that.
“The coaching staff study lots of players in the league.
“They know our strengths and weaknesses, so I’m game to play in any position.
“We have a quality squad. It’s a 23-man squad, not just 11. We have faith in each other and every player deserves to be here.’’
Brendan is annoyed with some quarters who have called the squad the ‘B team’.
‘’We deserve to wear the badge and we’re willing to give our all, and we should be respected.”’
He added that the team would take the positives from their laboured 1-0 win over Myanmar on Wednesday to get a good result against Laos.
“We had to grind out a result against Myanmar as it was a difficult game. Now, we’re focused on getting a good win over Laos.’
