WITH Filipino-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge tied down by club commitments during the AFF Suzuki Cup, Fil-German Roland Muller and Patrick Deyto are expected to pick up the slack at the net for the Philippine Azkals when the showcase regional football competition kicks off next month.
“It is unfortunate that Neil won’t be with us, but this will give either Roland or me the chance to step up and help the national team in the Suzuki Cup,” said Deyto, who has been with the Azkals for over two years.
The former La Salle varsity player made his major international debut for the national team in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup.
In his baptism of fire, Deyto, 26, acquitted himself creditably in the Challenge Cup tournament held in the Maldives, keeping a clean sheet in the group eliminations while yielding just three goals in the semifinals and finals.
The Filipinos narrowly lost to Palestine, 0-1, in the title match, enabling the Palestinians to qualify for their first Asian Cup held in Australia last year..
Deyto is the main goalkeeper for Global FC in the United Football League and was at the net yesterday as his squad romped past Laos FC, 7-0, to formally capture the UFL league crown at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“I also saw action for the national team in the 2014 Suzuki Cup so I know what to expect since I am more experienced now,” he said, relishing the prospect of suiting for the Azkals once again. “Hopefully, I will be given the opportunity to help our team.”