PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan speedster A. Selvan (pic) is embracing a fresh chapter in his football career after switching roles.
The 25-year-old transitioned from winger to fullback with a standout performance in the Super League match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Friday.
Despite Negri’s narrow 0-1 defeat to the Southern Tigers, Selvan emerged as one of the match’s talking points.
Tasked with containing JDT wingback La’Vere Corbin-Ong, Selvan repeatedly denied the national player’s overlapping runs with his pace, timing and robust tackling.
His display has drawn comparisons with former Malaysian international S. Kunanlan, who also began his career as a winger with Negri in 2007 before reinventing himself as a rightback during his stint with Selangor in 2014.
“With the Indian new year and Pongal (harvest festival) coming up, all I hope for is a good year – a new chapter in my football career and life,” said Selvan.
“I’ve played in this position several times, although my usual role is as a winger.
‘‘I’m glad I can be effective defensively.
“The loss to JDT was tough because we defended well for most of the game.”
Negri will be counting on Selvan to deliver another strong performance when they face Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium tomorrow.
Should he be deployed in the same role again, he could come up against another pacey opponent in Selangor captain Faisal Halim.
“Faisal is a very experienced and resilient player. It will be a big challenge to face him, but I’ll make sure I’ll be ready,” said Selvan.
Negri are currently sixth in the league standings with 17 points from 13 matches, four points behind fifth-placed Terengganu, who have collected 21 points from 14 games.
