A decision to release national trainees to play in Malaysia Cup matches comes as a big relief to Perlis.

The Northern Lions need full points against an unpredictable Johor Pasir Gudang in a Group C match at the Stadium Utama in Kangar to confirm a ticket to the quarter-finals. And coach Irfan Bakti welcomed the return of midfielders Fauzi Nan and Azi Shahril.

The national team under the charge of B. Sathianathan are preparing for a friendly international against India on July 24 and another match against English Premier League side Chelsea on July 29.

''I am very thankful to Sathia for releasing the players because Fauzi and Azi have played influential roles in our chase for a quarter-final berth,'' said Irfan in a telephone interview from Kangar yesterday.

''We are at a crucial stage and it would be difficult to maintain our strength without two key players, especially when both of them are midfielders.”

The competition is at the second round group stage but Perlis will be playing against Premier League's Johor PG for the first time. The first-round match scheduled for July 3 was postponed and both teams will wrap up their group fixtures against each other on Aug 2.

''A win tomorrow will put us through to the quarter-finals. We have to be at our best to earn it. Johor PG are no pushovers and they proved it by handing on-form leaders UPB-MyTeam a home defeat,” said Irfan.

The Northern Lions are in second place on 16 points from eight matches – two points behind UPB-MyTeam, who have a match in hand. Perak are another point adrift and they play against the group leaders at the Perak Stadium tonight.

Source: The Star