Etheridge to join Azkals after all

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals got a big boost in their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign after Neil Etheridge was released by his club Bristol Rovers today.

“Rovers will miss keeper Neil Etheridge for two games after tonight, as he goes to play for the Philippines,” the club tweeted this morning.

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Etheridge is expected to join the team in Bangkok in time for their opening match against host Thailand, the same day when his club plays Bradford. He will also miss the Bristol Rovers’ match against Wycombe on Dec. 1 as the Azkals will face Myanmar on the same day.

Etheridge, who is on loan from his English Premier League side Fullham FC since September, has been extended by the Rovers until Christmas in their bid to improve the club’s record.  Currently, the Rovers are in the cellar facing relegation in League Two.

The news came as a pleasant surprise as Bristol Post earlier quoted Rovers boss Mark McGhee that “Etheridge will turn down the chance to represent Philippines” in the Suzuki Cup.

Etheridge’s sudden availability solidifies the Azkals’ goal keeper position with the vastly improved homegrown talent Ed Sacapano.

Sacapano starred in the Azkals’ Peace Cup title conquest and a big 1-0 win over Southeast Asian rival Singapore Lions in Cebu last week.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss has until Friday’s manager meeting to make up his mind for his Final 22.

The Philippine Football Federation has released to the media last night the initial 22-man lineup that flew to Bangkok.

Peace Cup Golden Booter Denis Wolf and AFC Challenge Cup Golden Booter Phil Younghusband lead the 22-deep roster which also includes James Younghusband, Sacapano, Ian Araneta, Misagh Bahadoran, Joshua Beloya, team skipper Chieffy Caligdong, Jeffrey Christiaens, Ref Cuaresma, Jason de Jong, Carlie de Murga, Rob Gier, Andres Gonzales, Chris Greatwich, Ray Jonsson, Nestorio Margarse, Demit Omphroy, Patrick Reichelt and Jason Sabio.

Other international-based Filipino players who are expected to join the squad in Bangkok are Jerry Lucena, Dennis Cagara, Angel Guirado and Paul Mulders.

Fil-German Stephan Shrock was already ruled out of the group stages but might be available in December should the Azkals qualify for the semifinals. Meanwhile, Rolland Muller’s German club MSV Duiberg has yet to release the Azkals’ back-up keeper.