PETALING JAYA: V. Ruventhiran (pic) is back in Selangor colours and is ready to give his 100% to the team.
The wingback returned to action after a long injury layoff when he started two games for the Red Giants in the RCTI Friendly Tournament on Sunday.
The Malaysians bagged the trophy by beating Persija Jakarta 1-0 in the final at the Jakarta International Stadium.
“There were two metatarsal fractures on my ankle. But for every bad episode, I believe there is something good waiting for us. That is my bounce-back motto before getting to the field. Playing for Selangor is a great pride to me,” said the 22-year-old who was away for seven months.
Ruventhiran, who used to play for Petaling Jaya City, revealed that coach Nidzam Jamil was instrumental in his return to action.
Not only that, the Selangor coach has been honest and open with him in terms of his role in the team.
“When I was down with injuries, coach Nidzam was always there for me. He wanted me to recover well and didn’t rush me.
“I was happy he did that to me. I’m ready to give 100% to the team.
“He was fair and didn’t hide anything from me. Whatever he wants from me, he talks it out.
“He was patient with my recovery process and also told me where he sees me as a player.
“He prefers me as a defender. But if they need a winger, I am always ready. Every player needs to know how to play everywhere.”
Ruventhiran said the tournament in Jakarta is like a pre-season for him as he is getting tuned into the team’s tactics.
“It was useful for me because I was away from the team for two and a half months when I got injured during the national call-up in March.
“When I returned, the team were geared towards the league matches, so I didn’t have time to be tactically involved in the team.
“Before flying to Jakarta and being there, I was able to be with my teammates and get to know the system and what coach Nidzam wants. To get back to the first team, I need to be improving every day. Not easy to be in the first eleven but I will show my best in training and show that I can be there for the team.”
