Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge to miss Suzuki Cup - report

The Philippine Azkals' Suzuki Cup hopes took a blow, following a report from the Bristol Post that Neil Etheridge has opted to stay with his League Two club and pass on a stint with the national team.

Etheridge, who is currently on-loan with the Bristol Rovers from Fulham, "could have potentially missed six games [with the Rovers]" had he decided to play for the Azkals.

Bristol Rovers boss Mark McGhee confirmed the news to the Post, saying, "Neil has decided he won't be going to the tournament," adding that the English-Filipino "has done really well for us since arriving from Fulham."

With Etheridge declining the call-up, the Azkals are no doubt hoping that another keeper playing in Europe, Roland Muller, does the opposite, and gets a release from his 2nd Bundesliga team MSV Duisburg.

Should the Filipino-German be unavailable as well, the Azkals will likely turn to locals Ed Sacapano and Paolo Pascual, the two on the squad list for their Thursday friendly against Singapore, to be held at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

The Philippines begin their Suzuki Cup campaign against Thailand on November 24, followed by Vietnam on the 27th, and Myanmar on the 30th. - AMD, GMA News