THE PHILIPPINE Azkals got a boost ahead of their clash with Suzuki Cup champion Malaysia with the touted duo of Stephan Schrock and Paul Mulders joining the squad for the friendly on Friday in Selangor.
Schrock, who recently signed for German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, will be making his first appearance for the national side since the 1-3 loss to Kuwait in World Cup Qualifying last July.
Mulders, who plays club football for ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands, is back in the side after helping the Azkals to a third-place finish in the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal two months ago.
Schrock and Mulders’ availability, as well as the return of Denis Wolf, Manny Ott and Juani Guirado, augurs well for the Azkals, who will miss striker Phil Younghusband and brother James because of prior commitments, and suspended goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Taking over Etheridge’s spot on goal for the Malaysia clash is Fil-German Roland Muller.