Isa perplexed by omission from European trip

SINGAPORE — LionsXII captain Isa Halim has admitted he is mystified over his omission from the Singapore national side’s tour in Europe, but he has vowed to regain his place.

Isa, who was part of Singapore’s 2012 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship-winning side, felt that he had done enough to warrant a place in national coach Bernd Stange’s 22-man squad which left on July 7 to play three friendlies against European club sides during their 16-day trip.

Although he conceded his lack of match fitness following surgery in March to remove a growth in his Achilles tendon may have been a factor, Isa, 28, said he had resumed training with the LionsXII in early June and was in LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad’s starting line-up against Perak in a Malaysian Super League match on June 22.

“But it’s not the end of my international career. I am fighting back and I want to regain my place in the national team, especially for the AFF Championship in November,” said Isa, who has made 53 appearances for Singapore.

“I want to prove that I am still good enough to wear the Singapore national jersey. It’s a lot of gym work for me, three times a week along with the usual evening training sessions with the LionsXII. I am pushing myself very hard with thoughts on winning back my place in the national team.”

Singapore drew 2-2 with Czech side FC Brno last Saturday, and were scheduled to face Russian side Torpedo Moscow at press time last night before rounding off their trip against another Russian club in Dinamo Moscow on July 21.

In the meantime, the LionsXII will be back in action when the Malaysia Cup starts on Aug 12. In their preliminary round group are holders Pahang, Felda United and Johor Darul Takzim II.

In a bid to regain full fitness, Isa has put in extra training even though it is the fasting month of Ramadan.

“It’s not an easy group for us. Pahang are always formidable, and Felda United have spent big money and are now promoted to the Super League. Johor DTII are no pushovers either,” said Isa.

“Things are going to be tricky for us, but I believe if we can get all our players injury-free, we have a chance. Sure, we didn’t play well enough in the league and finished a disappointing eighth in the 12-team league, but the Malaysia Cup is a different kettle of fish altogether.”