Leung Nok-hang ready to step up against Guangdong
Youngster has his chance to shine in debut for Hong Kong in second leg of annual showpiece
Youngster Leung Nok-hang will make his senior team debut on Sunday as Hong Kong try to overcome a 1-0 away defeat in the second leg of soccer's annual Interport Cup against Guangdong at Mong Kok Stadium.
The 20-year-old will play alongside Tsang Chi-hau in central defence, replacing Cheung Chi-yung, as they try to stop the powerful visitors headed by Guangzhou R&F striker Lu Lin.
Lo Kong-wai, another up-and-coming player, will start up front despite missing three clear-cut chances as a second-half substitute in the first leg in Huizhou on Wednesday.
Leung, who spent two years in the Brooke House College Football Academy in Leicester before returning for YFCMD in the Hong Kong top flight last season, said that he would be ready for the challenge.
I have played regularly at club level and was also selected for the Under-23 squad at the Asian Games in Incheon. It's time for me to play at a higher level
"I have played regularly at club level and was also selected for the Under-23 squad at the Asian Games in Incheon. It's time for me to play at a higher level," said Leung, who's elder brother, Kwun-chung, is also in the squad but is likely to start on the bench.
"The Interport Cup has a long tradition and I hope to use the chance to prepare for the forthcoming qualification tournaments for the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2018 World Cup."