Tierney’s similarities with Lok could make him a key player in U-23 Asian Cup

Standing out: Fergus Tierney (In yellow) in action against China during their closed door friendly in Doha. — FAM

PETALING JAYA: Naturalised national Under-23 striker Fergus Tierney could be another Darren Lok in the making.

The Scotland-born striker has shown shades of his senior’s goalscoring prowess, and is also noted for his superb pressing and space awareness.

Those qualities could make him a key player for the Harimau Muda as they gear up in Doha, Qatar, for the AFC Asian Cup from April 15-May 3.

On Thursday, Tierney made his presence felt as he scored for Malaysia in a 2-1 loss to the China Under-23 team in a closed-door friendly in Doha.

Despite not being in the training squad from the start, Tierney, who only joined Spanish coach Juan Torres Garrido’s team on March 28, showed that he is blending in well with his teammates.

“I am in the best possible condition because of my preparation with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) during the pre-season. In terms of fitness and form, I feel good,” said the 21-year-old, who has scored five goals in 14 international Under-23 appearances with Malaysia.

Tierney has trained in various academies in Asia and Europe before joining Penang, and now JDT.

He started playing for the Under-19 team last year and moved up to the Under-23 side this year.

In his position, Tierney has to fight with the likes of Haqimi Azim Rosli and Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin for a regular spot as he has been used more as a substitute.

‘’I’m ready to put in the extra work as this tournament is a great chance for me to prove myself.’’

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have set a quarter-final target for the Under-23 team and some are hopeful they can get to the semi-finals, which could earn them a spot in the Paris Olympics.

Malaysia are in Group D with Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Kuwait.

Malaysia will have another friendly match on April 10 before the tournament kicks off.