Philippine Azkals star midfielder Stephan Schrock could see action for the national U-22 team for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games next month.
Team manager Dan Palami said Schrock made known his intentions to reinforce the squad’s bid to secure a first-ever semifinal appearance in the men’s football competitions which starts Nov. 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“Schrocky (Schrock’s nickname) has expressed interest to be part of the U-22 team as an over-aged player,” Palami said.
Nothing, however, is set in stone as Schrock has to complete his domestic duties with recently-crowned Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros.
Teams are allowed to tap a maximum of two over-aged players for the tournament which opens days before the formal start of the biennial meet on Nov. 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Serbian mentor Goran Milojevic will call the shots with help from Azkals coach Scott Cooper.
Senior team members Justin Baas, who made his Azkals debut as a starter in Tuesday’s scoreless draw against China in Bacolod City, Elias Suerti and Yrik Gallantes could also make the U-22 side.
The U-22s are scheduled to participate in the Copa Paulino Alcantara which starts later this month where they’ll face teams from the Philippines Football League.
The Philippines was drawn in Group A along with 2017 SEA Games silver medalist Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Timor-Leste, and Palami said the team is working hard to achieve a breakthrough semis stint.
“I think the draw somehow gives us the chance, but we’re not complacent,” said Palami, who bared that there are 30 players from the original pool of 50 when training started last July. (Jonas Terrado)
