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Waiting game for Nazmi


NO UNDUE PRESSURE: Coach to monitor teenager's progress before deciding

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Nazmi Faiz Mansor is not in the immediate plans of coach Rajagobal

NAZMI Faiz Mansor may have to wait a little longer to earn his first cap with the national team.
Coach K. Rajagobal will only consider Nazmi for the AFF Cup in November if he performs well in next month's AFF Under-22 Qualifiers before taking into consideration his commitment with Portuguese Premier League side Beira-Mar.

The midfielder, a member of Young Tigers 'A' who play in the S-League, signed a pre-contract agreement for a three-year deal with the club last week.
The 17-year-old will return to the club's base in Aveiro in August to sign a permanent deal for three seasons.

"I do not want to pressure Nazmi as he is still young. He has a bright future and I believe he will eventually break into the senior team," said Rajagobal yesterday.
"I will, however, monitor his progress at the AFC Under-22 Qualifiers and if he does well, I will consider him for the AFF Cup.

"Besides that, I need to know what are his commitments with Beira-Mar over the next few months. The door is still open to anyone who makes a strong impression."
Rajagobal named a 26-member squad for next month's 'A' international friendly matches.
Malaysia will face the Philippines on Friday before taking on Singapore in a two-legged friendly on June 8 and 12.

"I will use these matches to trim my squad for the AFF Cup. The last batch of trainees from Kelantan reported for training yesterday (Sunday). I have a full squad to work with before I finalise my team for the friendly against the Philippines," said Rajagobal.

Among those in the squad are Safee, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safiq Rahim. K. Gurusamy, S. Kunalan, Ashaari Shamsuddin, Amar Rohidan, Mahalli Jasuli, Mohd Fadhli Shas, Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

"I have finally picked most of the core players after testing out more than 60 players since the start of the year.

"It is important that they peak accordingly for the AFF Cup as it is our priority tournament. I want them to start performing consistently and most importantly, remain injury-free," Rajagobal added.

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