Azkals put new recruits to the test vs Perth FC

EXPANDING their pool of players for the AFF Suzuki Cup late this year, the Philippine Azkals will parade a new-look side against Australian club Perth Glory FC when they clash Tuesday at Quirino Stadium in Vigan.

Azkals coach Thomas Dooley, who is in the United States to attend to personal matters, has tasked chief deputy Aris Caslib to call the shots for the team that is using the match as part of its preparation for the Suzuki Cup in November.

Caslib has called up the likes of Jim Ashley Flores and Fitch Arboleda of Stallion, Shirmar Felongco of Kaya, Camelo Tacusalme of JP Voltes and Jess Melliza of Green Archers United.

“The general framework of the game is to test some new players, especially those who were part of the U-23 team before,” said Caslib, who watched Global hold Perth to a scoreless draw in a friendly last night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“We wanted to have all the players, but with the situation now, we just have to make do with the best players available.”

“We’re excited to see the new players,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.

With the match not falling on the Fifa international window, clubs are not compelled to release players to the national team for the game against Perth.

Ceres-La Salle decided not to release Stephan Schrock, Manny Ott, Martin Steuble and Patrick Reichelt as the players recover from a gruelling first round campaign in the United Football League.

The holdovers from the squad that beat North Korea last March are James Younghusband, Simone Rota, Miguel Tanton, Misagh Bahadoran, Nick O’Donnell, Dennis Villanueva and OJ Clarino.

Phil Younghusband is expected to return to national team duty for the first time since the clash against Bahrain in October last year.