ETHERIDGE TO PLAY FOR THE PHILIPPINES

Philippines have been grouped against Brunei, Bhutan and Kazakhstan in the preliminary rounds of the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 Qualifiers.

“They wanted me to play last season but I wasn’t too keen on the idea at first,” said Etheridge.

“I didn’t really know too much about the squad or any of the other players and I don’t know the language that well. But this season, they have asked me again. The team has a new manager and a new president who invited me over and this time I know some of the players.

“One of the players is from Chelsea who I know well and he convinced me to go and told me that I would enjoy the experience.”

Etheridge will have to contend with a vastly different professional environment from the one he currently enjoys at Fulham’s Training Ground but the experience is one that the keeper is very much looking forward too.

“The last match the Philippines national team played on home soil attracted a crowd of 33,000. The fans really get behind the team when matches are played at home and there is a lot of interest,” added Etheridge.

“It will be a completely different style of football to what I am used to playing for Fulham’s Academy due to the heat and I don’t think it will be as fast. I will be there from the 6-23 May to train with the team and to play three the matches.”