Azkals get Etheridge boost for Kuwait game
Philippines have received a huge boost ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Kuwait following news that goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will be joining up with the squad.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Etheridge, who is contracted to Barclays Premier League outfit Fulham but currently on loan at Bristol Rovers, has been regarded as the Azkals' first-choice keeper since earning his first cap in 2008.
However, club commitments have often hindered his involvement with Philippines, and with the AFF Suzuki Cup just over a month away, the 22-year-old is yet to confirm he will be freed to play in Southeast Asia's premier international tournament.
Nonetheless, Etheridge confirmed via his Twitter account on Saturday he will be joining up with Michael Weiss' squad to take on Kuwait, just a day after his international colleagues recorded an impressive 0-0 draw at Bahrain, who are ranked 32 places higher than them in the FIFA world rankings.
"I will be joining the [Philippines] team in Kuwait tomorrow [Sunday] evening," he tweeted.
"First is [the] big game at Burton [Albion in Npower League 2] today [Saturday]."
Etheridge's availability comes as a further boost to the Azkals as they finalise their preparation for the Suzuki Cup, following news that talismanic brothers James and Philip Younghusband will be meeting up with the team in Kuwait City, after a scheduling conflict saw them miss the game against Bahrain.