PHUKET, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Liverpool-born Syed Adney Syed Hussein said he was ready to be Malaysia's first choice goalkeeper in the crucial AFF Suzuki Cup tie against Thailand tomorrow as Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias was almost certain to be dropped by coach B. Sathianathan after his costly blunders against Vietnam.
In the do-or-die mission against the three-time champions, Sathianathan is expected to keep Mohd Helmi on the bench after his three blunders against Vietnam saw Malaysia go down 2-3 here on Monday.
"I sympathize for him (Mohd Helmi) but I will grab the chance if it comes my way," said the 22-year-old Syed Adney who had attended trials with England's second division side Darlington FC last year.
The UPB/MyTeam goalkeeper, who had also played in the Korat SEA Games, said he was confident of playing a good game if selected by Sathianathan.
Malaysia, with just three points from two matches (beat Laos 3-0), must beat Thailand and at the same time hope Vietnam don't score more than three goals against the Laotians.
Though he has yet to decide whether to give Syed Adney a go or gamble with Mohd Helmi, Sathianathan said there was a strong possibility of the latter not being in the first 11 as he (Mohd Helmi) would probably not have mentally recovered after yesterday's disastrous performance.
"I spoke to him (Mohd Helmi) this morning. It's important to talk to players and see if they are in the right frame of mind...because such mistakes and criticism that followed, can dash his career," he said.
Sathianathan said Mohd Helmi's decision to stray off his line and which led to Vietnam's third and winning goal, could happen to any goalkeeper.
I know Malaysian fans would be frustrated and angry with Mohd Helmi's costly mistake which came right after Malaysia's equaliser and just four minutes before the final whistle but the Kedah goalkeeper had been consistent in previous matches, he said.
According to him, Mohd Helmi, who made his debut with the national team in June, 2008 was voted the Most Valuable Player in the Malaysian Super League and had played well against Chelsea, Merdeka Tournament and several other friendly and competitive matches.
"He is the best goalkeeper in the country...he is the fans' choice but (unfortunately) he bungled when it mattered most," he added.
-- BERNAMA