"Saya tidak boleh kata yang saya kecewa. Hanya berpeluang bermain 5 perlawanan dalam musim ini selepas direhatkan kerana kecederaan, sudah tentu memerlukan saya untuk berusaha mengembalikan kecergasan seperti sediakala," kata Norshahrul.
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NORSHAHRUL Idlan Talaha can only get better from here after a mixed performance in Malaysia's 0-0 draw with the Philippines in a friendly international at Shah Alam Stadium on Friday.
The Kelantan striker has not scored for Malaysia since the victorious 2010 AFF Cup campaign but a lot of that has to do with injuries.
Norshahrul said it was inevitable that after two months on the sidelines, he would struggle to get back into form.
"I can't say that I'm disappointed. After playing just four or five games this season, it is obvious I need to work on getting my match fitness back.
"I think with another two or three games I should be getting back my match form," said Norshahrul after firing blanks again on Friday.
Norshahrul resumed his partnership with Safee Sali for the first time since a 5-0 drubbing by Australia last October and there were signs that they are close to flourishing again together.
Back heels and well-timed dummies set his teammates with chances to score though Norshahrul himself was reluctant to take shots at goal.
"It has to do with confidence and besides, my teammates were in better positions to score. In my first game back, I did not want to complicate matters and preferred to keep it simple," said Norshahrul.
Coach K. Rajagobal said he wanted to see how the strikers would combine again after a long time apart.
"We wanted to see the combination between Norshahrul and Safee, especially Norshahrul who I have to admit was not his usual self.
"But they played well against a physical side. Safee played a tough match, and if we give him room he will get his strength back.
"Norshahrul also showed why he is important to the team by creating chances for the others," said Rajagobal.
Malaysia's defence, led by Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Fadhli Shas, did well to restrict Philippines to a handful of shots at goal.
But they are likely to face a more severe test against Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday, when Norshahrul will celebrate his 26th birthday, and it is crucial for the strikers to get their act together to reduce pressure on the defence.
Devinder Singh, NST
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