CALL UP FOR QIU LI TO LION’S SQUAD

The striker was Singapore football’s first player inducted under the Foreign Sports Talent (FST) scheme since midfielder Fahrudin Mustafic more than two years ago and the call-up follows his citizenship approval last week.

The 26-year-old was earmarked under the FST scheme back in 2005 when he first came to Singapore with the now defunct S-League club Sinchi.

He joined the Young Lions in 2006 where he had a prolific year with a total of 23 goals in all competitions.

“I’m very happy that I can now represent Singapore in international competitions,” said Qiu Li.

“I’ve been here for more than three years and this is where I call home. The World Cup Qualifiers are very important to us and if I get the chance, I will do my best to bring glory to the country.”

Added national coach Radojko Avramovic: “We first noticed Qiu Li when he was with Sinchi and subsequently we brought him to the Young Lions where he combined very well with Khairul Amri.”

“He is a team player, very good at holding the ball and is capable of scoring goals. Now that he is eligible for the National Team, he will have the chance to play just like all the other players. It is up to him now to take this chance,” added Avramovic.

Qiu’s inclusion brings the number of players in the national squad to 25 and where he will have his first opportunity for his first cap on 28 May when the Lions take on Bahrain in an international friendly at the National Stadium.