Selangor rightback Quentin Cheng (left) tries to dribble past a Police player. - Photo by Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: Quentin Cheng has received a timely boost ahead of Selangor’s game against Kelantan in the Super League today.
The 23-year-old has been called up for national duty for friendlies against Syria (Sept 6) and China (Sept 9) at the Chengdu Phoenix Hill Stadium in China.
But Quentin knows that in order to be in the first team of Harimau Malaya, he has to compete against the nation’s best rightback, Matthew Davies of JDT, who has been dubbed as ‘Mr Consistent’ by followers of the local game.
“Playing for the national team is the highest honour one can get in their career. It’s rewarding,” said Quentin, who has won eight caps so far.
“Matt has been a quality player for many years. His experience in big games for JDT and Malaysia, has been immense, so it isn’t a surprise to see him so consistent. I look forward to learning and competing with him.”
But first, Quentin wants to play his part for Selangor to help the Red Giants keep their second spot in the league when they face the Red Warriors at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru today.
Selangor have 46 points from 21 games while Kelantan are 13th in the league with eight points from 20 matches.
Kelantan have conceded a whopping 18 goals in just two matches, losing to Terengganu 0-8 in the Super League and 0-10 against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup.
Naturally, Selangor are expected to bulldoze past them but Quentin believes it is wise to stay cautious.
“They have nothing to lose and can be dangerous. Kelantan will play freely and have no expectations,” he said. “We are aiming for the second spot and a ticket to the continental stage, so there is more to lose for us. We will take the game seriously.
Quentin has been a regular for Selangor in the Super League, starting in 15 matches as a rightback and played three games in the FA Cup while made one appearance in the Malaysia Cup.
He has substituted twice the Super League, once in the Malaysia Cup and has assisted in three goals.
“Selangor are a big club, so it’s great to be playing regularly. I’m happy the coaches continue to have that trust in me although I feel I could have played better in some games.
“We have one of the best defences in the league and I’m happy to have contributed to that,” he added.
They have only conceded 19 goals, which is the second lowest in the league.
