SINGAPORE – Faris Ramli believes that he is in the best form of his career currently, and it’s not hard to see why.

With only a third of the current season gone, the Home United attacker has already notched 11 goals – equalling his previous seasonal best tally – and chipped in with 12 assists in 18 matches, making him one of the standout players in the S.League so far.

It is a stark contrast to his travails last year, when he joined the Protectors from the LionsXII hoping to build on his 2014 season, only to miss two-thirds of the campaign due to a left ankle injury.

Determined not to let injury blight his progress again this year, the 24-year-old’s careful management of the ankle – a routine that started in pre-season and has continued since – has reaped rewards.

“Last year I had a horrific injury and even now, I am still carrying it, but the difference (this season) is (having) discipline and professionalism,” he told TODAY on the sidelines of the Singapore national team’s training session at the Geylang field on Friday.

“I need to do a lot of extra work before training, such as working out on the ankle and everything. It’s all behind the scenes, which is what I meant by professionalism.

“It’s a bit hard because (other) people come here to just train, but for me, I need to do some extra work first before I can train.

“It was a very bad twist… (due to opponents) pushing and kicking you, and I still need to be more careful (but) now, basically it’s just a small bruise and the doctor has asked me to just manage it well and I think I will be fine.”

Faris, who started his career with the Young Lions in 2010, has also been helped by a more settled personal life, having recently gotten married, which has allowed him to focus on his football.

“It’s time for me to just concentrate on one thing,” he said.

“This year, it’s time for me to step up and show my capabilities.”

Opposing defenders who have been left in knots trying to stop Faris this year will attest to his prowess, with the fleet-footed attacker acknowledging that he is driven by the desire to win silverware at club level.

But Faris is also keen to translate his scintillating form onto the international stage and the upcoming international break, where the Lions will play Taiwan in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier on June 10, provides him that opportunity.

“With the form I am in right now and also that of some of the players in the squad, I think we are capable of doing our best and together as a team we can achieve greater things,” he said.

“I will always tell myself I can do more, more than what I’ve done before and that’s my motivation for this year, I will try to perform for as many games as possible and see what I can do for country and club.”

Home head coach Aidil Sharin backed Faris to shine for the Lions, saying: “I think it’s another big challenge for him. I hope he can continue (his club form) or even be better… it will be good for him to let everyone know that he can not only play well for the club, but also for the national team.”

There has been criticism that Faris has not always reproduced his promise at club level for country in his 30 senior caps, but he pointed out the different demands at both set-ups plays a part.

“Sometimes, the coaches have different styles of play and that will affect my style of play and the team’s as well,” he said.

“For me, basically it’s (all about) what the coach asks me to do. I will try to deliver, even if I need to defend for 90 minutes for away games, I will try to do it for the country… do whatever it takes and try to get the result.”

V. Sundramoorthy is expected to adopt a more attacking approach against Taiwan, as it is being played on home soil at the Jalan Besar Stadium, which should afford Faris more licence to roam forward and showcase his offensive prowess.

His versatility could come in handy as well, noted Aidil, who has played Faris as a No. 10 at times to great effect this season. This was particularly evident in Home’s 9-3 thumping of Brunei DPMM, where Faris scored four goals and set up four more.

The Lions camp is upbeat following a credible 0-0 away draw to Bahrain in their Group E opener in March and victory on June 10 will further boost their quest to qualify for the 2019 tournament in the United Arab Emirates, but Faris is keen for them to remain grounded.

“There’s a good feeling among the team, but we don’t want to be carried away,” he said.

“I think that’s the most important thing now, to put our heads on the ground and just work our socks off and play for the result.”

EVENT INFO:

Singapore play Taiwan next Saturday, June 10, in a Asian Cup qualifier at Jalan Besar Stadium. They will face Myanmar in a closed-door friendly before that on June 6. Tickets for the Taiwan game at available at www.globaltickets.sg and AXS machines