BY ZULHILMI ZAINAL Follow on Twitter
The past few Malaysia Super League (MSL) rounds have not been memorable for the currently-struggling Selangor, who are currently in eighth place in the standings.
Out of four league matches, they recorded only one win, two draws and one defeat. But these matches saw the involvement of more of their younger players, including midfielder Sarkunan Krishnansamy.
Back in April, the 21-year old was handed his first senior appearance this season, as a second half substitute in their second leg FA Cup clash against Kuala Lumpur.
He was then given his first league appearance this season, as a starter, in their 2-1 win over Negeri Sembilan, before starting again in their following encounter, a 2-0 away defeat to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). He then came on as a late substitution, in their 1-1 draw against PKNP and the return fixture against JDT last Saturday, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
In his five appearances this season, Sarkunan showed that despite his diminutive stature, he has the technique to hold his own against more-experienced players, which is complemented by his workrate and covering of the pitch.
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Sarkunan playing against Negeri Sembilan on April 28. Photo from Football Malaysia LLP
When met by Goal after the JDT clash, Sarkunan expressed his elation at getting more senior team playing minutes this season, after he was promoted from the Red Giants' youth team at the start of the 2017 season.
"The team is doing well at the moment, we're motivated, and there's always a chance for us younger guys to prove ourselves. I've just been getting playing minutes recently, so I want to do my best.
"The other younger players too have been playing well, they have kept improving, so we want to win our next match," remarked the midfielder.
Asked about his performance against JDT, when he came on in the 78th minute for Halim Zainal, Sarkunan admitted that it wasn't ideal as he did not have sufficient time to do more for the team.
He also revealed aspects of his game that need to be worked on, if he wants a more permanent spot in the line-up.
"I should have done more, really. I only played for more or less 15 minutes, I think I could have proven myself more if I got to play at least for 45 minutes.
"I now to work on my passing, my set-piece, as well as my long balls," said Sarkunan.
