Azkals’ De Jong eyes stint with Scottish club

KATHMANDU—Filipino-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong has ruled out playing in the United Football League in favor of a possible stint with Scottish second-division club Ayr United.

The 22-year-old De Jong was earlier linked to Stallion FC in the UFL until he got an invitation to try out with the Scottish club.

“I would have loved to play in the Philippines, but this is a big opportunity for me,” he said.

“I have to improve and it is important I play at a high level because the national team also has some very good players at my position.”

De Jong plays in the same position as standouts Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders, Manny Ott and the up-and-coming Marwin Angeles.

“It’s good that we have a lot of options in the position,” De Jong said. “I’m happy I’m getting my chance (with the national team).”

De Jong believes the style in Scotland will fit his play.

“Teams are strong and physical and really tough. I want to play every week, that’s why I chose the club,” he said.

The Fil-Dutch midfielder, a veteran of the 2010 Suzuki Cup and last year’s Southeast Asian Games, has already missed the first match against North Korea in the AFC Challenge Cup here.

De Jong has had an up-and-down club career since coming out of the youth system of NAC Breda in The Netherlands.

A stint with Belgium club Turnhout was followed by a rather forgettable campaign with Indonesian club Persiba Balikpapan where De Jong had a falling out with team officials and was released before his contract ended.

De Jong said his deal will keep him with Ayr up until the end of the season in June.