Hassan open to Lions recall for Asian Cup

Former national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny has declared that he is open to a Lions recall, with an eye on a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup squad.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

The 41-year-old announced his international retirement in August 2024, after becoming the most-capped Lions custodian with 115 appearances in over 20 years.

Speaking to The Straits Times on Nov 23 at the Jurong East Stadium, where his commanding presence between the posts was on show as Albirex pipped Tanjong Pagar United 1-0 in a Singapore Cup group match, Hassan confirmed his availability for the Lions.

Hassan, who kept his second clean sheet in three Singapore Cup matches, said: “When I retired, I said that it is to allow the younger ones to come up (and to) give them more opportunities to play.

“But if we have no young goal keepers coming up, I’m always open to help the national team in any way.

“As long as I’m playing, I’m always open to return to the national team.

“I might be the fourth choice, but I can contribute. I’ve joked with (interim national coach) Gavin (Lee), that if you need a number four, I’m open to help.”

The three custodians called up in the recent windows are Izwan Mahbud, 35, Syazwan Buhari, 33, and Rudy Khairullah, 31.

Hassan, who congratulated the team for making history by qualifying for the Asian Cup, added that it is any player’s dream to play against world-class teams, which will be the case when the Lions arrive in Saudi Arabia in 2027.