Shrock, Ott bros boost Azkals lineup vs Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines – Stephan Shrock and the Ott brothers are expected to boost the Philippine Azkals when they face Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The Ott brothers are already in the country while Shrock is expected to arrive tomorrow for the national team’s continuing buildup for the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives next year.

Shrock confirmed his return to the Azkals on his Twitter account @S17Stephan on Tuesday.

“I’m excited to be with the Azkals again in Hong Kong! Who’s watching there,” Shrock tweeted.

The Fil-German winger, who currently plays for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Bundesliga’s first division, was instrumental in the Azkals’ sweep of Group E in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers last March to punch a ticket to the tournament proper in Maldives next year. The Azkals are hoping to improve on their bronze finish in the 2012 edition of the tournament. 

Manny Ott, meanwhile, last saw action for the Azkals in their 1-0 win over Myanmar last February.

After failing to link up with the squad in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers, Ott, who is currently playing for FC Ingolstadt 04 in Bundesliga’s second division, is not expecting too many minutes since he is coming off an injury.

“I’m in the squad in Hong Kong but I don’t know yet because I was injured so I think I’ll just play some minutes,” Ott was quoted saying in the Azkals official website.

Debuting for the Azkals will be Manny Ott’s younger brother Mike, an 18-year old teener who is currently playing for TSV 1860 Munchen also in Bundesliga’s second division alongside his twin brother Marco.

“I’m very proud of him. He will do well. He’s just 18, I’m not expecting much right now as he’s only trying to get his experience in the national team,” the older Ott told the team’s official website.

The Filipino international trio will link up with 15 more nationals called up for the friendly against Hong Kong.

The Younghusband brothers – Phil and James – along with other United Football League campaigners Jason de Jong, Jeffrey Christiaens, Marwin Angeles, Chris Greatwich, OJ Porteria, Ed Sacapano and Chieffy Caligdong have also received call up.  Rounding up the 18-man squad are other Filipino internationals Neil Etheridge, Paul Mulders, Juani Guirado, Rob Gier and Javier Patino.

The Azkals last played Hong Kong in the Long Teng Cup in 2011 where they managed to force a 3-3 draw coming back from an early two-goal deficit. Hong Kong went on to win the crown with the Azkals ending up as runner-up.

Tickets to the Tuesday friendly to be held at Mong Kok Stadium are available online at http://www.hkfa.com/zh-hk/ and are pegged at HK$100 for adults and HK$30 for students and pensioners.