Malaysia defensive midfielder Badhri Radzi is itching for another starting berth in Wednesday's AFF Suzuki Cup first leg final against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
The 32-year-old Kelantan captain was an unused substitute during Malaysia's Group B Suzuki Cup matches in Singapore but was given a surprise start by head coach Dollah Salleh in the second leg of their semifinal against Vietnam in Hanoi. Radzi made good use of the opportunity by excelling in an unaccustomed defensive midfield role to help Harimau Malaya to a 4-2 away victory after losing the first leg 2-1 at home.
"It was my first game in the AFF Cup and I knew it was a huge responsibility," Badhri told New Straits Times."It was a big risk for me. I had to do well because we were chasing the game. The pressure was huge but the fact that we were all motivated to do well was a big help. I was pleased with the way I played, I helped set up one of the goals," he said.
With only eight international caps under his belt, Badhri has never had the chance to impress for Malaysia but is hoping to repay Dollah's faith in him by helping Malaysia to a second ASEAN title in their third final appearance -- Malaysia won the 2010 edition defeating Indonesia in the final.
However, Badhri realises that team selection is entirely Dollah's prerogative. "I want to continue to play well but the selection is up to the coach. Whoever is picked will have to carry out their responsibilities well."
Though Thailand are firm favourites to win the title, Badhri says Malaysia are high on confidence and can end their 10-year wait of beating the War Elephants.
"We want to carry on right to the end," said Badhri. "The confidence level in the team is very high. We are determined to do our best."
Following Wednesday's first leg in Bangkok at the Rajamangala Stadium, Suzuki Cup final action will shift to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Saturday's second leg.