Staying focused: Lee Tuck wants to concentrate on helping Malaysia beat Singapore in the AFF Cup and will not be distracted by his ‘disloyalty’ issue with Pahang. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s naturalised English player Lee Tuck could be excused for being a distracted man ahead of the Harimau Malaya’s high-stakes Group B game against Singapore in the AFF Mitsubishi Cup tomorrow.
The 34-year-old midfielder had incurred the wrath of many Pahang supporters after he signed for Kedah, as they deemed him ungrateful for leaving the Elephants as it was his former team that helped him gain his naturalised status.
Tuck said he had no choice but to find a new team as Pahang could not reach an agreement on his future - despite his willingness to take a pay cut.
‘’I really wanted to stay on with Pahang. I spoke to the management, told them I would even take a pay cut and waited for a contract. But nothing happened,’’ he said.
But there’ll be much happening tomorrow at the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil as Tuck prepares to help Malaysia prevail in the do-or-die “Causeway derby’’ with the Lion City.
He said the issue with Pahang is hardly on his mind as he is focused on helping Malaysia reach the semi-finals of the Mitsubishi Cup.
‘’I think I’ve made the right decision to move to Kedah, and that’s it. The top priority now is to beat Singapore tomorrow and help Malaysia get into the last four.’’
Malaysia must win to reach the semi-finals while Singapore need only a draw to advance.
Tuck said he’s fully committed to the task, whether he starts the game or come on as a substitute.
“I want to be effective for the team, whether I start or not. I expect Singapore’s game plan to be similar to what they did against Vietnam (0-0 draw).
“They only need a point. The key for them is getting numbers behind the ball and making it compact. So, we have to look for ways to break them down.
“We’ve got to be aggressive and sharper up front. I believe we have the quality to find a way through and with the support of our home fans, we will be highly motivated.’’
