Striker Norshahrul ready to put country over club

Striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha will put country first when the national team take on Kelantan in a friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.

The national team are taking advantage of the international break to prepare for the Suzuki Cup AFF, which will be held from Nov 24-Dec 22.

“I will give 100% to the national team when we play against my club Kelantan,” said Norshahrul, who bagged the Supermokh MVP Award twice in the last two years.

“We have several new players joining the national team this time and it’s good for the team to have more options. It is also definitely good to prepare early for the AFF Cup.

“We have to defend our AFF Cup crown. It won’t be as easy as winning it the first time but we will be prepared for it.”

The national team are also scheduled to play friendlies against Saudi Arabia on Feb 24 and the Philippines on Feb 29.

Norshahrul, who was in the national team that lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in a friendly back in 2009, believes it will be good for the team to test themselves against the Asian giants.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to play against the Saudis, who are one of the best Asian teams around,” said the 25 year-old Terengganu-born player.

“I believe the friendly against them will be a good lesson for the new players in the team. As for myself, I will try my best to score against them.”