PETALING JAYA: Luqman Hakim Shamsudin is back on the pitch after five months out injured and the Negri Sembilan striker is eager to rediscover his scoring touch.
The 24-year-old made his long-awaited return when he started for Negri in their 1-1 draw against Sabah in the Super League on Oct 17.
It was his first game after fracturing his shoulder against Terengganu in last season’s Super League on April 25.
He did not score but he will have a chance to find the net when Negri travel on Oct 30 to face Brunei at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Luqman is just happy to get back to doing what he loves.
“I last played about five months ago. Since then, it has been recovery, rehabilitation and slowly getting back to full fitness,” said Luqman, who hails from Kota Baru, Kelantan.
“Right now, I just want to say I am grateful to be playing again.
“The aim is to take it step by step and the rhythm will come. I want to get goals as well. It will come.”
Like any other attacker, the former KV Kortrijk player measures his progress by goals and assists.
He felt Negri deserved more from the Sabah match, which they controlled before conceding and then equalised from the penalty spot.
“We actually created so many chances and, in terms of commitment and willingness, our players are doing their all but we didn’t take our chances well.
“We have to be clinical and make use of every chance we get. I tell that to myself as well.”
In his debut Malaysian league campaign last season, Luqman made 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
He has also won nine caps for the national team and hopes that a return to form will earn him a place with Harimau Malaya in the future.
