'MOUTH' WALKS THE TALK

Albirex sub scores as vowed to lift hopes for S’pore Cup semis; eyes Lions call-up

- David Lee

Albirex Niigata forward Nicky Melvin Singh has racked up three league and cup goals in five games since his return from injury hell. ST PHOTO: LUTHER LAU

(ST PHOTO: LUTHER LAU)

Affectionately known as The Mouth at Albirex Niigata, Singaporean winger Nicky Melvin Singh earned his nickname for being a yapper, who also tends to get caught in unglam photos with his jaws agape while deep in focus.

When they were pegged back to 1-1 by Balestier Khalsa in a Singapore Cup round-robin match on Nov 6, the White Swans bench could have been forgiven for thinking the 23-year-old was “talking cock” again when he told one of his fellow substitutes: “Don’t worry, it’s okay. Once I come in, I will score.”

But, proving that he could walk the talk, the substitute delivered a jaw-dropping 98th-minute winner by heading in Danish Qayyum’s cross to make it 3-2.

Their second win in as many Singapore Cup round-robin games put them firmly in contention for one of two semifinal spots against holders Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers.

As he celebrated with a mala hot pot sipping routine at the request of his good friend George Ng, it is also a reminder of the hot streak that he is in ahead of Albirex’s next Singapore Cup game against Tanjong Pagar United at Jurong East Stadium on Nov 23.

He has racked up three league and cup goals in five games across just 177 minutes this season, surpassing his two-goal tally from his previous 43 appearances for the club and mirroring his own return from injury hell.