NEIL ETHERIDGE FOCUSSED BUT IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION
Sat Dec 29, 2018 3:07 am
Tough decision
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saturday 29th December 2018
With Etheridge focused on Cardiff at the Premier League, Azkals leave off star keeper in maiden Asian Cup voyage
Neil Etheridge more or less knew he was on the block as far as booking a slot in the Philippine team that will make a maiden appearance in the Asian Cup next month.
Etheridge, who has 62 caps with the Azkals, understood that it would be unfair to the other squad hopefuls if he were given a slot when he can only play one game for the country owing to his obligations to English Premier League club Cardiff City.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make,” Etheridge told the Inquirer on opting to focus on the Premier League. “As people know, I’ve worked so hard to be playing every week in the Premier League. After a long discussion with people involved, it would be unfair for me to take a spot of another player.”
Etheridge was left out of the squad because he can only commit to play for one match—against South Korea on Jan. 7—as Cardiff City is currently locked in a tight battle to stay in the top flight in England.
“It’s a fantastic competition and a competition that everyone in Philippine football have worked hard to be a part of,” said Etheridge.
“And unfortunately, the Asian Cup falls in January which is a frustration for players like myself when we’re still in season. I don’t believe this will be the final time that we reach the Asian Cup and in the future when situations change, I hope to be a part of it.”
With Etheridge out, Michael Falkesgaard is a lock to be the Azkals No. 1 with newcomer Kevin Ray Hansen, who plays for AC Horsens in the Danish League, as his backup.
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saturday 29th December 2018
With Etheridge focused on Cardiff at the Premier League, Azkals leave off star keeper in maiden Asian Cup voyage
Neil Etheridge more or less knew he was on the block as far as booking a slot in the Philippine team that will make a maiden appearance in the Asian Cup next month.
Etheridge, who has 62 caps with the Azkals, understood that it would be unfair to the other squad hopefuls if he were given a slot when he can only play one game for the country owing to his obligations to English Premier League club Cardiff City.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make,” Etheridge told the Inquirer on opting to focus on the Premier League. “As people know, I’ve worked so hard to be playing every week in the Premier League. After a long discussion with people involved, it would be unfair for me to take a spot of another player.”
Etheridge was left out of the squad because he can only commit to play for one match—against South Korea on Jan. 7—as Cardiff City is currently locked in a tight battle to stay in the top flight in England.
“It’s a fantastic competition and a competition that everyone in Philippine football have worked hard to be a part of,” said Etheridge.
“And unfortunately, the Asian Cup falls in January which is a frustration for players like myself when we’re still in season. I don’t believe this will be the final time that we reach the Asian Cup and in the future when situations change, I hope to be a part of it.”
With Etheridge out, Michael Falkesgaard is a lock to be the Azkals No. 1 with newcomer Kevin Ray Hansen, who plays for AC Horsens in the Danish League, as his backup.
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Re: NEIL ETHERIDGE FOCUSSED BUT IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION
Sat Dec 29, 2018 3:08 am
This is a class decision from a committed (to Cardiff City FC) Neil Etheridge 
Re: NEIL ETHERIDGE FOCUSSED BUT IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION
Sat Dec 29, 2018 6:30 am
Tough decision for you Neil. But THANKS.
Re: NEIL ETHERIDGE FOCUSSED BUT IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION
Sat Dec 29, 2018 12:33 pm
I wonder if the fact that our reserve goalkeeper would be very hard to remove if given the chance was taken into consideration. 
Re: NEIL ETHERIDGE FOCUSSED BUT IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION
Sat Dec 29, 2018 6:11 pm
Glad he is staying 
Re: NEIL ETHERIDGE FOCUSSED BUT IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION
Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:33 am
Personally I think he is the best keeper to play for the City 