Hopeful: Nooa Laine (right) is looking forward to playing for Malaysia against India.
KUALA LUMPUR: Finland-based youngster Nooa Laine is not perturbed that he has to fight with several old hands to get into the starting 11 for Malaysia’s opening game in the Merdeka Tournament at the National Stadium tomorrow.
Laine, 20, played in the friendly matches against Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea in Kuala Terengganu in June but the Merdeka Tournament will be his first international competition.
And he knows he has to fight for a berth in the starting line-up for the match against India with experienced players like Paulo Josue, Stuart Wilkin, Brendan Gan and Endrick Dos Santos.
Mukhairi Ajmal, who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, could push Laine further down the pecking order.
However, Laine remains upbeat as he believes in his own qualities.
“There are a lot of good players in midfield. Everyone has his own qualities and I think I have mine too and I will fight for my place,” said Laine.
“My game is about consistency and retaining the ball, the things I try to do in matches. I have to be confident about my abilities.”
Laine said that he has settled in well with the national squad besides enjoying the warmer weather compared to the sub-zero conditions in Finland where he plays for top tier club SJK Seinajoki.
“It has been good as I enjoyed the training and it is getting more comfortable day by day,” added Laine.
“I’m looking forward to my first game at the National Stadium.”
He will, of course, be hoping to start against India tomorrow to showcase his ability to coach Kim Pan-gon and the Malaysian fans.
