Fulham back-up goalkeeper and current keeper of the Bristol Rovers, Neil Etheridge has been cleared by his club side Bristol Rovers to participate in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 for the Philippine Azkals.
The announcement was made by Bristol Rovers to give chance to Neil Etheridge to participate in the tournament. He was instrumental during the 2010 conquest of the Philippines in the AFF Suzuki Cup by reaching to the semi-finals.
His availability will boost the team’s chances of success, last week Rovers manager Mark McGhee was quoted as saying that Etheridge would not be representing his country in the AFF Suzuki Cup but the about-turn was confirmed on Bristol Rovers’ Twitter account on Tuesday evening.
“Rovers will miss keeper Neil Etheridge for two games after tonight [Tuesday], as he goes to play for the Philippines,” it said.
The Philippines squad arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday ahead of their Group A opener against Thailand on Saturday (November 24) but Philippine Coach Weiss did not elaborate the final 22-man team of his squad until the confirmation of Foreign-based players’ availability.
