Patino out of friendly with HK

HONG KONG—In-form striker Javier Patino will miss the Philippines’ friendly clash with Hong Kong  with his Thai Premier League club Buriram United refusing to release him for the match at Mongkok Stadium here tomorrow.

Since his transfer from the second division in Spain last March, the Fil-Spanish attacker has been in scintillating form for Buriram, which was scheduled to play a match last night.

Patino has only played two matches for the Azkals, scoring two goals in the AFC Challenge Cup, and coach Michael Weiss is ruing the missed chance of not having him in the PH squad, especially with the likes of Stephan Schrock and Paul Mulders available to play.

“I’m disappointed Patino is not playing especially on an official Fifa date,” said Weiss, who is preparing the squad for the AFC Challenge Cup finals next year.

“It would have been better if he had more time with the team because now we have a strong team and we’re building up together for the future.”

But Weiss expressed optimism on his new prospect, Mike Ott, who made the trip with his older brother, Manny, here.

“I’m very excited for him,” said Weiss of the 18-year-old Ott, who is one of the top scorers of the Under-19 Bundesliga.