Azkals ‘keeper Etheridge signs month-long loan deal

21-Sep-2012

Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has been loaned by Fulham to English League Two side Bristol Rovers but should still be available for his country in November’s AFF Suzuki Cup.

Etheridge, a key figure in the Azkals run to the semi-finals of the 2010 tournament, has gone on loan for a month.

Bristol Rovers have shipped 13 goals in their opening six matches of the season and Etheridge could go straight into the team for Saturday’s match against Fleetwood Town.

Philippines coach Michael Weiss said recently that he was hopeful that Etheridge would be in the squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup “if he continues to be third choice for Fulham”.

Weiss also believes that Roland Muller will be around to challenge Etheridge for the goalkeeper’s jersey if he remains number two at MSV Duisberg.

Etheridge, 22, has been capped 37 times for the Philippines and played in the recent AFF Suzuki Cup warm-up matches against Cambodia, Singapore and Laos.

Philippines take on co-hosts and three-time winners Thailand, 2008 champions Vietnam and the top team from the qualifying tournament in Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup from November 24 – December 1.