A MIX of returnees, rookies, and old reliables see action for the Philippine men’s football team for upcoming international friendlies next month.
The Philippine Football Federation announced the lineups for the match against Malaysia on March 1 and Azerbaijan four days later — with the latter against the European side arguably more formidable with the overseas-based standouts in tow.
Anton del Rosario, Nate Burkey, Simon Greatwich, and Ruben Doctora Jr. make their anticipated returns in the national side, which will be led by Phil Younghusband and several other familiar faces.
Martin Steuble, a 25-year-old Filipino-Swiss prospect who has finally obtained his Philippine passport, makes his debut for the national team, which also welcomes newcomers Kenshiro Daniels and Andrew Liauw.
Doctora, Greatwich, and Liauw were not included in the initial training team lineup but impressed new Azkals coach Thomas Dooley.
Europe-based Stephan Schrock, Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller, Jerry Lucena, and Paul Mulders as well as Thai Premier League campaigner Javier Patiño bolster the squad to the Azerbaijan match.
Azkals skipper Chieffy Caligdong will miss the matches after fracturing his foot in a United Football League game earlier this month.
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