MANILA (23 May 2011) – Philippines national chief coach Michael Weiss still need time before deciding on his line-up for the Philippines national side which is to play in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka next month.
“We are still evaluating the new players trying out, although I haven’t seen spectacular stuff,” said the 44-year-old after a training session at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. “I cannot single out anyone so far.”
Among those who are hoping to win their spot in the squad are Filipino-British Chad Gould, Fil-Aussie Leigh Gunn, Fil-Ams James Rochilitz and Nathaniel Burkey.
“No decision on them yet. I have to see them play in a match. The younger ones are more interesting,” added Weiss, referring to 16-year-old Rochilitz and Burkey.
“He (Rochilitz) may be not as good as some of our present senior players, but for his age he is good in the Under-20.”
Aware of the stakes involved in the 2014 World Cup qualifying round against Sri Lanka, Weiss reiterated that it is important that he takes only the best players able to represent the Philippines.
“As I have said before, only the quality players who can help us can make it,” Weiss said. “Mediocre ones we have enough.”
