Stags’ star makes immediate impact in first appearance

SINGAPORE — Former EPL star Jermaine Pennant made an immediate impact in his first official match as a Tampines Rovers player, providing an assist for the winning goal against Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim II at Jalan Besar Stadium last night.

Coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute for South Korean defender Kwon Jun, the former Arsenal and Liverpool winger took just five minutes to help the Stags make the breakthrough, curling a delightful free kick into the penalty box for fellow recruit Jordan Webb to head home for the 1-0 win.

Deployed in the No 10 role just behind Webb, Pennant pulled off a lovely nutmeg and recorded a 100 per cent pass completion rate before producing the defining moment of the game.

After the match, the 33-year-old said: “I enjoyed playing in the No 10 role as it allows me to create chances for my team-mates, as we lacked a bit of creativity going forward at times.

“I had a slight thigh strain so I was playing at only about 70 per cent. It’s our second friendly game and we’ll need more time and more games under our belt to gel as a team. But I think we’re making good progress.”

Tampines coach V Sundramoorthy said his star signing looked “lively” when he came on. “He did pretty well and he was full of tricks,” said Sundramoorthy. “We need to play and train more as a team to build on our understanding.”

Johor Darul Ta’zim II defender Baihakki Khaizan said he could tell Pennant was hardly at his best last night.

“But once he was on the field, you can still see that he has that aura about him, his touches and his presence was immense and there’s no doubt he’s a quality player,” said the Singapore international.

Tampines next take on defending I-league champions Mohun Bagan in the first leg of their AFC Cup qualifier on Feb 27. AMANPREET SINGH