Kim Swee Irked By Norshahrul's Absence From Centralised Training

PETALING JAYA, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- The absence of National striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha at the National team's first day of centralised training without any official reason has irked National coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee.

Kim Swee said as a professional, Norshahrul should have reported for training on the first day because this is not the first time he has been called up for National team training.

"In fact he must be the early one to report for training. He must give us the reason for his absence officially and not by word of mouth," he told reporters when met at the FAM Field at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya, here, today.

Among players who reported for training today are Mohd Baddrol Bakhtiar, Mohd Farizal Marlias, Mohd Safee Sali, Safiq Rahim, Mahalli Jasuli, Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi while Mohd Amri Yahyah had opted to attend to personal problems.

"Amri had informed me that he would not be able to attend training today due to some family problems. We will wait for the outcome," he said.

Kim Swee said he was not worried about the strikers in the squad but more concerned with the defence.

"Apart from Norshahrul, I have Safee, Bobby Gonzales, Amri, Ahmad Fakri Saarani...so what is important is the defence," he said.

-- BERNAMA