Eight years ago, Hairuddin scored the goal when Malaysia lost 1-4 to Chelsea at the Shah Alam Stadium.
Now out of the national team, the 31-year-old was included in the team by Malaysian Selection coach Ong Kim Swee for the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
“I never expected to be called up. It came as a surprise after an injury-hit season with Negri Sembilan,” said the 31-year-old Hairuddin, a scorer of 13 goals in 63 appearances for Malaysia, yesterday.
Hairuddin is expected to partner Mohd Amri Yahyah, also a former international, in Malaysia’s frontline.
Mohd Amri also has the experience of scoring against an EPL side, netting twice in Malaysia’s 2-3 defeat by Manchester United in 2009 at the National Stadium.
“The local fans have very high expectations. They expect us to score against Chelsea tomorrow since we have scored against EPL sides before ... but we have to be realistic. It’s not easy to score against Chelsea as they have John Terry in defence. It would be a bonus if I manage to score,” said Hairuddin.
Hairuddin has been training with the Malaysian Selection for about a week now.
“It’s not enough, but we are prepared to give Chelsea a fight,” added Hairuddin.
Now out of the national team, the 31-year-old was included in the team by Malaysian Selection coach Ong Kim Swee for the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
“I never expected to be called up. It came as a surprise after an injury-hit season with Negri Sembilan,” said the 31-year-old Hairuddin, a scorer of 13 goals in 63 appearances for Malaysia, yesterday.
Hairuddin is expected to partner Mohd Amri Yahyah, also a former international, in Malaysia’s frontline.
Mohd Amri also has the experience of scoring against an EPL side, netting twice in Malaysia’s 2-3 defeat by Manchester United in 2009 at the National Stadium.
“The local fans have very high expectations. They expect us to score against Chelsea tomorrow since we have scored against EPL sides before ... but we have to be realistic. It’s not easy to score against Chelsea as they have John Terry in defence. It would be a bonus if I manage to score,” said Hairuddin.
Hairuddin has been training with the Malaysian Selection for about a week now.
“It’s not enough, but we are prepared to give Chelsea a fight,” added Hairuddin.
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