PETALING JAYA: Declan Lambert believes Kuala Lumpur’s push for a top-two finish in the Super League has elevated his performances this season.
Buoyed by his form, the 27-year-old wingback is now hopeful of earning a starting spot for Harimau Malaya in their final Group F AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifier against Vietnam at the Nam Dinh Stadium tomorrow.
“It is a new experience with Kuala Lumpur fighting for second place. It is nice, but it also brings added pressure.
“I think my form has been alright. I have been playing well, and I want to maintain that consistency,” said Declan, who was born in Kuala Lumpur to an English father and Malaysian mother.
Declan, the twin brother of Ryan - also a member of the national squad - will be among the wingback options available to coach Peter Cklamovski for the clash against the Golden Dragons.
This season, he has featured in 24 matches across all competitions for the City Boys, contributing one goal and four assists.
His league form, in particular, where he has made 18 appearances, has drawn praise for his intelligent reading of the game and effective link-up play with left-sided wingers.
Kuala Lumpur currently sit fourth in the Super League with 39 points from 20 matches, just four points behind second-placed Selangor and one adrift of third-placed Kuching City.
However, breaking into the national starting XI will be no easy task.
Johor Darul Ta’zim’s La’vere Corbin-Ong and Cerezo Osaka’s Dion Cools have long been established as first-choice wingbacks.
Declan remains undeterred, embracing the challenge alongside other contenders such as Syahmi Safari (JDT), Ahmad Zikri and Quentin Cheng (Selangor).
“There is a lot of competition, especially in my position. We have a strong group of players.
“There is banter, but there is also healthy competition. You have to show your best in training and impress the coaches,” he said.
Reflecting on Malaysia’s failure to qualify for the Asian Cup, Declan admitted it was a difficult setback but insisted the team are determined to finish their campaign on a positive note. Two weeks ago, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled that Malaysia had fielded ineligible players in their 2-0 win over Nepal and 4-0 victory over Vietnam last year.
Both results were overturned and recorded as 3-0 defeats, dropping Malaysia to second place in the group with nine points and ending their qualification hopes.
“It is tough to accept because we are out. But the next game against Vietnam is still an important game to redeem our pride.” he said.
