Izwan ready for red-hot reception

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Experience in the Singapore ranks will be invaluable on Thursday when the Lions go up against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur for the second leg of their second round World Cup qualifier at the 90,000-capacity Bukit Jalil Stadium.

Goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, 21, was steady in the first leg on Saturday at the Jalan Besar Stadium, but preferred first-choice Lionel Lewis, 29, now has a few more days to try and recover from his groin injury.

While the vastly experienced Lewis will be given every chance to convince the selectors, Singapore goalkeeping coach Lee Bee Seng says they will have no problems sending Izwan out on Thursday.

"Of course, Lewis has the experience playing in an atmosphere like Bukit Jalil and if we are sure after the next three days that he is fit, then we may just field him," Lee told Today.

"If not, we are fully confident Izwan can do the job ... The three goals he conceded was not really his fault."

According to Lewis, scans last Friday revealed he was almost completely healed and he feels there is a good chance he will be fully fit for the second leg.

"Jumping and diving is not a problem, the only thing are my reflexes. With enough training this can be corrected," he said.

"But Izwan has done a great job and we should not worry whether he is able to play his part in taking us to the next round."

Izwan played in front of around a 25,000-strong crowd in a tournament with the Singapore under-18s in China a couple of years ago. The only problem he foresees at Bukit Jalil is the noise.

"It was difficult to communicate with everyone in China and this will be my biggest problem on Thursday. But I will be ready, if the coach wants me to play."