PETALING JAYA: Declan Lambert (pic) could be living out a childhood dream if he is selected to represent Asean All-Stars against the club he has supported all his life, Manchester United on May 28.
The Kuala Lumpur City fullback, currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, has been named as one of four Malaysian players proposed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to represent the Asean All-Stars in an exhibition match against the English giants at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The 26-year-old is available but he is now awaiting for final confirmation.
“I would be more than happy if they asked me to play,” said Declan.
“I’ve been a United fan since I was a kid, and my dad is from Manchester, so it would be surreal. Not many people get the chance to face the biggest club in the world, even in a friendly, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Declan has been one of the most consistent performers at fullback in the Super League this season and also caught the eye during Malaysia’s AFF Cup campaign, despite the team’s early exit.
Born to an English father and Malaysian mother, the former Den Bosch player has earned five international caps for Malaysia.
His name has been floated as a possible replacement for Dominic Tan and Sergio Aguero, who will not be released for the friendly as they are required to report to Harimau Malaya’s centralised training camp ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10.
FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub confirmed that five other players have been proposed to the Asean Football Federation (AFF) to fill the void.
Alongside Declan, the list includes centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee; wingbacks Adib Abd Raop and Azam Azmi Murad; and midfielder Nor Azam Azih. Only goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli has been granted permission to feature in the All-Stars match.
Manchester United’s upcoming appearance in Malaysia marks their return after 15 years.
Their last visit was in 2009 when they defeated a Malaysia XI twice during their pre-season tour.
Following the Bukit Jalil match, United are slated to continue their Asia tour with a stop in Hong Kong, where they will face the national team on May 30.
