Hassan rewarded with two-year contract extension at Thai club Army United , Latest Singapore Football News - The New Paper
Singapore Football

Hassan rewarded with two-year contract extension at Thai club Army United 

Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud may have earned the plaudits for his stunning performance in the Lions' 0-0 draw with Japan in Saitama in June, but the battle for the No. 1 jersey remains a tough one.

Hassan Sunny has capped a fine first season in the Thai Premier League and has earned a two-year contract extension at Army United, even before the current campaign comes to a close. 

Hassan, who is in Bernd Stange's 23-man squad preparing for the World Cup/Asian Cup Group E qualifying double header at home against Japan on Thursday, and Syria on Nov 17, has been in good form and could end the year with a trophy - the Army side face Muangthong in the Thai FA Cup semi-finals on Dec 2. 

The New Paper understands that several Thai clubs - including Thai star Charyl Chappuis' Suphanburi - have attempted to prise him away from Army United. 

"There are seven goalkeepers in the club (four senior custodians and three juniors). I can't give anything less than 100 per cent every single day, because they are all working hard to get the spot ahead of me," said Hassan, after yesterday's training session at the National Stadium.  

While Izwan is the undisputed No. 1,
Hassan is simply keeping his head down and working his socks off. 

In between drills in goal yesterday, the 31-year-old was, as is his norm, doing press-ups, sit-ups and the like. 

NO WORRIES

"It's all down to the coach. Even at my club, even though I'm a foreign player, it doesn't automatically mean I'm the first choice," said the 2014 S.League Player of the Year. 

"I'm not worried or thinking about that (club situation). It's the same even here in Singapore, I just work my socks off."

"In the first three months in Thailand, it was very difficult to adapt to the environment, and it took me some time, but I'm glad everything went well," he added, thanking Army fans for their support.

"Izwan and Zaiful Nizam (Lions reserve goalkeeper) could do well in Thailand too... for me, it was all down to hard work."

hassan sunnyizwan mahbudSingapore LionsJapanWorld Cup