PETALING JAYA: The wait is finally over.
With the Malaysian League season wrapped up, Fergus Tierney (pic) has set his sights on Europe and the 23-year-old forward is not looking back.
The Glasgow-born, Penang-raised striker has signed with a Cyprus First Division club Omonoia 29M, capping off a move that was months in the making.
Tierney is brimming with anticipation ahead of the new chapter.
“I’m excited to play in Cyprus, which is a good European First Division league where the likes of Jairo Da Silva, Jonathan Silva, and Endrick dos Santos have played in recent years,” said Tierney.
“My former teammates who have played there had nothing but positive things to say about the league and life in the country.
Beyond the club challenge, Tierney has also kept one eye on the national team, a call-up he holds in the highest regard.
“It is always an honour and privilege to represent the national team, and my plan is to play as well as possible to help both club and country at all times,” he said.
Should he flourish in Cyprus, it could open the door for more Malaysians to pursue careers abroad.
Sabah may have endured a turbulent campaign last season, but Tierney was one of the few genuine bright spots in the Rhinos’ season.
The forward enjoyed a remarkable debut in the Super League, making 38 appearances across all competitions while chipping in with 10 goals and four assists.
On the domestic cup front, Tierney played a key role in Sabah’s Challenge Cup triumph and their run to the FA Cup final.
Versatile across the front line and capable of playing as either a winger or central striker, Tierney is now considered one of the frontrunners for the Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) Young Player of the Year award, a fitting recognition for a player who gave his all even as those around him faltered.
