Jason McAteer, former Irish international who was invited to play for Selangor in the Sultan of Selangor Cup, impressed against the Singapore national squad in the 1-0 loss at the Shah Alam Stadium yesterday.
Buoyed by 60, 000 odd fans, Selangor lost thanks to an own goal by National defender, Asraruddin Putra. Selangor who dominated proceeding were unlucky to concede that goal as they had a flurry of chances only to be denied by their lack of finesse.
However, the two main attractions, Jason McAteer and Jesper Blomqvist still had some drive in them and McAteer was the best of the lot.
At the age of 40, he may have lacked pace but he used his experience well in that game. The former Liverpool midfielder turned defender should come out of retirement and ply his trade for Selangor as his experience would be vital to chart their fortunes.
Selangor needs an experienced head in defense and McAteer truly fits the bill. If Alexander Duric can still play for Singapore why not McAteer. The likes of Asraruddin, Nasriq Baharum and Bunyamin Umar can learn from him and develop their careers(Asra especially, he is just too overrated and he needs to learn how to be consistent)
His passes, awareness and well executed free kick was just pure class and he might be the next 'David Weir' albeit playing in Malaysia. I feel he should come out of retirement and play for another 2 years, he looks good and if he keeps himself fit, nobody can stop him.
As for Jesper Blomqvist, he still looks like a class lad but as an attacker, he somehow going to bid adieu soon. Plying his trade with Persebaya 1927 in the Indonesian Premier League, he has lost lots of pace and his crosses somehow isn't as accurate as his English Premier League days.
It was fun watching the veterans and the main match up today as it was a feast to watch. After so long, i watched Shahrin Majid play and he still has got that swagger in him. A class lad with a diminutive figure, i watch him play in the Ipoh Stadium in 1999 and he was such a speedster. His dribbling was also exemplary. One of the best wingers in the 90s and no one can emulate his attributes.
However, Fitri Shazwan might take over that mantle but he needs to keep focus and continue his steady growth. My only advice for FAS, try negotiating with McAteer and bring him as one of the two foreign players in your team. I'm sure it would be good!
Avinesh's verdict: McAteer outclassed Asra and the other defenders...Special mention should go to G.Jeevanathan...What a game he had! Brilliant saves!! great loan signing by Selangor..=)
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