Top goalkeeper Neil Etheridge may not suit up for the Philippine national men’s team in the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup in November after his loan to English fourth-division club Bristol Rovers has been extended.
According to a report by BBC Radio Bristol, Rovers manager Mark Mcghee confirmed that Etheridge has agreed to play for their squad until Christmas.
Bristol have matches on November 24 and November 27, the same dates when the Azkals face Thailand and Vietnam in the group stages of the Suzuki Cup.
The semifinals and finals of the tournament, which will run until December 22, are also in conflict with the schedule of the Rovers’ matches, making Etheridge’s availability for the national team during those dates doubtful should the Azkals advance to the next round.
Then 20 years old, Etheridge was a vital cog in the Azkals’ Cinderella run to the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup two years ago that catapulted the team to popularity.
Last September, English Premier League side Fulham FC lent Etheridge to Bristol on a one-month deal. Since the transfer, the Rovers have performed well, registering two wins, two draws and a loss.
Bristol also moved up slightly in the rankings since Etheridge manned the posts, climbing from 23rd to 21st among 24 teams in England’s Football League Two.
In a recent interview, Etheridge admitted that he is enjoying his playing time with the Rovers, in contrast to Fulham where he was third choice.
“You play football to play week-in, week-out,” Etheridge told Fulham’s official website. “Not all the time is that going to happen for you but I’m loving my time at the moment playing twice a week – you can’t beat the feeling of stepping out onto that pitch on a Saturday afternoon.”
Etheridge will join the Azkals in their match against Kuwait on Tuesday in Kuwait City as part of their Middle East training tour.
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