Filipino-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who is back with the Philippine Azkals, is calling on football players from around the world with Filipino lineage to heed the call for flag and country.
“I have played in the biggest stages, I have played in the Premier League and I stand proud to represent the country. I encourage every full-blooded or half-blooded Filipino who’s able and eligible to get a passport to come and play for the Azkals,” Etheridge said during a meet-and-greet event at BOOT CAMP Fort BGC in Taguig City.
A member of the Birmingham FC, Etheridge is on the cusp of showing his wares as the Azkals brace for a friendly versus Chinese-Taipei on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Returning German head coach Hans Michael Weiss opted not to utilize Etheridge during the Azkals 1-0 victory over Nepal on Thursday but could end up being fielded against the Taiwanese.
Etheridge, who played for England U-16 squad before seeing action for 70 matches wearing the Azkals badge, fully understands the decision of Weiss to sideline him against Nepal.
“Just before the last game, the team decided to sit me out because of the risk of injury. I was training uin the morning (of the match) straight away but I’ll leave it up to the coaches,” said the 6-foot-2, London-born player.
In his place was Patrick Deyto, who held his ground against the Nepalese.
“I was happy that we won at home. I think there are things we can improve on and the coach has only been here for a short period of time and he’s only got to implement how he wants us to play.”
Should he start for the Azkals tomorrow, Ethridge is expected to give his best in front of the Filipino crowd against the Chinese Taipei squad that drew 2-2 at home against Thailand last Friday at the Kaohsiung National Stadium.
Etheridge hopes the core of players, led by veterans Daisuke Sato and Carli de Murga as well as young talents like Jarvey Gayoso and Sandro Reyes, will stay intact in the crucial matches, including the first window of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification from 12 to 17 October.
Obviously, Etheridge is drooling over the prospects of being called by Weiss to provide the veteran presence against the Taiwanese.
“This team over the past 15 years has given me the best memories in my career,” Etheridge said.
