Badhri looks to up his game for Malaysia
Kelantan captain Badhri Radzi is looking to take his game up another level in hope of impressing Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal.
Badhri, long regarded as one of the country's most-talented playmakers, has been a key factor behind the Red Warriors' success in the last two years, where they have won two Malaysia Super League titles, the Malaysia Cup and the FA Cup.
However, while he turns 31 in June, Badhri is yet to win his first cap for Harimau Malaya and has regularly ignored by Rajagobal, although that could chance in the coming weeks after the Malaysia boss finally named him in his squad for the upcoming 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen on March 22, which will be preceded by a friendly against Saudi Arabia five days earlier.
Although Kelantan, currently 8th in the Super League, have had a campaign to forget so far, Badhri was been in good form but he hopes he can take his game up a level while on international duty.
"For me, to be in the national squad for the first time is something to be very proud of," he told FOX Sports. "However, it is not an easy task and I have to give my all and try to impress the coach.
"To be in the first eleven of the national team, I will have to give much more than before. This is because I am not fully satisfied with my performance lately."
Badhri also refused to take his place in the Malaysia starting XI for granted, but insists he will be ready if given the call.
"I will focus on one game at a time and I hope my experience with Kelantan will help me with Harimau Malaya," he added.
"Whether I'm selected or not is up to the coach. The best players will be selected and I am ready if I'm one of them."
The closest Badhri came to representing Malaysia was in 2011, when current Under-23 coach Ong Kim Swee picked him for a selection side that took on Barclays Premier League side Chelsea.