Croc gets national team call-up

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GOOD OPPORTUNITY: Midfielder Junior Eldstal (right) takes a shot at goal during one of the Sarawak premier league matches.

KUCHING: The likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, John Terry and Petr Cech are players that Junior Eldstal will face should he play this July 21 and Aug 4.

This is because Sarawak midfielder Junior Eldstal has received a call-up from national coach Datuk Rajagopal Krishnasamy yesterday.

According to Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts, it was understood that the towering midfielder might feature in the national team’s coming matches against Barcelona and Chelsea.

“This will be a good opportunity for him to gain valuable experience. He will indeed benefit from the call up,” he said to The Borneo Post.

It will be a rare opportunity for the Sabah-born player as he will be up against the best players in the world. He leaves for Kuala Lumpur today.

Eldstal’s call-up was confirmed by Alberts as the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) received a letter from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) yesterday.

He also revealed that he spoke to the Rajagopal a few days ago, regarding Sarawak players who are available for possible national duty.

Asked whether he gave any specific information to the national coach, Alberts replied that decisions were up to the national coach to make.

“I did not tell Rajagopal anything especially in regards to things such as playing Eldstal only for half of a match or whatsoever as he is the coach and has the authority. I am nevertheless glad he gave Eldstal the call-up as he deserves it,” he added.

With experience of playing in England, Eldstal might be a useful member of the team for Rajagopal to face the two clubs.

Chelsea and Barcelona are currently on an Asian tour during their off-season.

Further details on the travel schedule of the two premier European clubs can be found in their official websites.