Aide gears up to play in midfield

AIDE Iskandar could be drafted in as an emergency defensive midfielder for Singapore's Asean Championship first-leg semi-final with Malaysia today.

The Singapore captain will start in his usual central defensive role, but could be moved just in front of the back-four should the need arise.

Midfielder Mustafic Fahrudin's one-match suspension has left a hole in Singapore's middle.

Although Isa Halim is slated to replace Fahrudin, it would make the Lions' midfield rather young.

For Isa is only 20, while their other central midfielder, Shi Jiayi, is 23.

With veterans K. Nanthakumar and Mohamed Shukor Adan expected to occupy Malaysia's engine room, the Singapore pair could be in for a tough and rough night.

Said Aide: 'It is an option we are exploring because of the lack of experience we have in that position.

'I have played in that position at international youth tournaments, so adapting is not a problem for me.

'It is like playing as a sweeper in front of the back-four.'

Mohamed Noh Rahman could also be a candidate to fill the gap left by Mustafic.

But the experienced 26-year-old has just recovered from an ankle injury.

A decision on his fitness will be made only at the last minute.

A youthful midfield is not the only thing the Lions have to contend with.

Yesterday, it rained for the second straight day, though they trained after the rain stopped.

Worse, a torrential downpour is expected for tonight's match at the Shah Alam Stadium.

It kicks off at 8pm.

Said Aide, who won the Malaysia Cup at Shah Alam in 1994 when the Lions beat Pahang 4-0: 'We will be hoping for good weather so we can play good football.

'So far, the ground has held up well.

'I have good memories of the stadium.

'I will be playing a big match at Shah Alam for the second time.

Hopefully, we can win again.'

MARC LIM