TIME TO SHOW HIS METTLE

Hit by recent criticism, skipper Hariss says Lions can prove themselves at Asean C'ship

- David Lee

For 17 years, Hariss Harun has served Singapore football with distinction.

He was part of the Lions' Asean Championship-winning side in 2012, before becoming captain of Johor Darul Takzim, with whom he won the 2015 AFC Cup, adding to his multiple domestic trophies on both sides of the Causeway.

He has kept things tidy in midfield, put in crunching tackles and ventured forward to link up with the attack when required. Even when he is played out of position in defence, he carries on with his task with minimal fuss.

As years go by, his professionalism and commitment remain unquestionable, but as he doubles in age to 34, he has also lost a yard of pace while recovery takes longer. He is no longer an automatic starter with the Lions and Lion City Sailors.

The national skipper remained true to his down-to-earth demeanour when asked if he has been hit by recent criticism, following his blunder which led to a goal in the 3-2 friendly defeat by Chinese Taipei in November.

Ahead of Singapore's Asean Championship Group A opener against Cambodia on Dec 11 at the National Stadium, Hariss told The Straits Times: "What I have achieved doesn't give me the leeway to give anything less.