Lee shows leethal side: Kedah’s Lee Tuck taking on a Sabah player during their Super League match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Kedah playmaker Lee Tuck is noted for his industry in the middle of the field and his ability in set-pieces.
But the 34-year-old showed that he can be an opportunist when he turned match-winner for the Canaries in their 2-1 win over Sabah at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Friday.
Tuck capitalised on defensive lapses to score in the 40th and 72nd minutes to earn his side a come-from-behind victory after the Rhinos took the lead in the eighth minute through centreback Gabriel Peres.
It was Kedah’s eighth win of the season, and they are now fourth with 25 points from 13 matches.
Tuck was delighted with the win, and said that his experience and reading of the game helped him to score two precious goals for Kedah.
“I understand how Manu (Manuel Hidalgo) plays. I got the first goal from his assist. I know how he cuts inside and plays over the top – it was my movement off the ball and reading of the situation,’’ he said.
“The second one, it was going to drop in the six-yard box, I saw that the Sabah defence were ball watching and I capitalised on that situation. Luckily, the keeper didn’t save it, and we won.”
Tuck added that Kedah would only get stronger from now on, as they have overcome their early- season blip.
“We are fourth now, with half a season more to go. We are in a good position and we just have to stay consistent and have the desire to keep winning.’’
Tuck’s clinical display has also left many hoping that he will be selected for Malaysia’s friendlies against the Soloman Islands (June 14) and Papua New Guinea (June 20) at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak, Terengganu.
“It’s a big goal of mine to be part of the national team. Hopefully, I’ve done enough to get another chance. It’s now up to the national coach. We will see what happens,” he said.
