Shah happy to be left-back after being left out

On Nov 14, 2024, Shah Shahiran celebrated his 25th birthday by captaining the Lions to a 3-2 win over Myanmar in a friendly at the National Stadium.

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

Singapore midfielder Shah Shahiran, who turned 26 on Nov 14, is glad to be back in the Lions fold after missing the 2-1 Asian Cup qualifying win over India in Goa on Oct 14 due to suspension. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

(FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE)

One year later, he hopes to mark his 26th birthday with an even bigger achievement - helping Singapore beat Hong Kong on Nov 18 to secure a historic Asian Cup berth.

Ahead of their Nov 13 friendly against Thailand in Pathum Thani, the BG Tampines Rovers player told The Straits Times: "Asian Cup qualification will be big for our generation and future generations of local footballers. It would be a great platform for us to showcase our talents on a bigger stage.

"This Thailand game will be crucial to help us prepare for Hong Kong, and I really hope to make it a memorable birthday with a win against Hong Kong."

Getting the Lions call-up and skippering a team on the verge of qualifying for the continental showpiece is a dream for the 25-year-old. The wiry midfielder got hooked on football at age seven after accompanying his father for the latter’s kick abouts, before later joining the Junior Sports Academy.