Safuwan hungry for more action after City debut

SINGAPORE — A day after putting in 60 minutes of service in his debut with new club Melbourne City on Saturday, Singapore defender Safuwan Baharudin insists he is not playing in the Australian A-League to make up the numbers but wants a permanent spot.

The Lions international was named in City coach John van’t Schip’s starting line-up after midfielder Erik Paartalu failed a fitness test.

It was a role the Dutchman knew the versatile Safuwan could fulfil after the 23-year-old impressed during a 10-day trial with City last month.

And if Van’t Schip’s comments to ESPN after the match are any measure, the young Singaporean lived up to expectations, although City lost the derby match 3-0 to rivals Melbourne Victory.

Despite substituting Safuwan after 60 minutes of play, the City coach said his new player was not afraid to challenge for the ball and provide directions to team-mates. He was “strong in the air defensively, but also when we went forward”.

Speaking to TODAY last night, Safuwan, who is on a three-month loan from the LionsXII, said he had no problems taking on players in the A-League. “Personally, I think I had a good game and we had a few fans who came for this away match, and they were encouraging me,” he said.

“I have yet to speak with the coach on how I fared and will probably have a chance on Tuesday when we start training again. But I don’t intend to warm the bench at City. The plan is to win a regular place in the starting line-up before my three months are up.”

City visit Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on Saturday before hosting leaders Perth Glory the following weekend, but Safuwan is keeping his fingers crossed that Van’t Schip will pick him again.

With former Premier League stars Damien Duff and Robert Koren as team-mates, competition for places will be tough. “Although I’ve been making friends and everyone is nice, when it comes to fighting for a chance to play in the first 11, everyone is dead serious. Because of this, it pushes me to train harder and be among the best,” said Safuwan.

But having wife Alia Qistina in Melbourne has helped. “She cooks and is the main reason I am not missing out on Singapore food,” he said. Ian De Cotta