Izham Tarmizi, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia, 12/06/2017FAM

Izham confident that Malaysia can spring a surprise against Lebanon

Izham Tarmizi is one of three goal keepers called up in the Malaysia squad to face Lebanon in the important opening Asian Cup qualifier for the Malayan Tigers.

The 26-year-old stopper praised the mood in the camp after spending almost a week's training with the team since returning from Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) ill-fated trip to the Philipines for the AFC Cup.

"For now, all the players are motivated and we're confident that we can improve our game for the match against Lebanon," said Izham. 

With the match scheduled to be played on Tuesday night in his home stadium - Tan Sri Hj Hassan Yunos Stadium, Izham is adamant that the familiar ground will be an added advantage not only for the JDT players but also for players from other teams.

"For me as well as the other JDT players, there's of course and advantage. The other players also have the experience of the pitch here. We've trained a few times here and so far there's no issue for the team," explained Izham.

Having worked with Datuk Ong Kim Swee in the previous national call-ups, Izham is finding no problems adapting to the new management under the tutelage of Nelo Vingada.

"Until now everything is going well. We'll have to see what happens in the future but for now, his training is good and the players can communicate with him, so it's all good," added Izham.

It's likely that it will be straight choice between Izham and Selangor's Khairulazhan Khalid for the Number 1 jersey as Vingada picks his first ever starting XI since taking over as Malaysia's national team head coach.

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