PETALING JAYA, July 13 — Dollah Salleh mulled the dearth of local footballers capable of shining on the international stage following the national team’s disastrous recent performance, which has seen them slip to a low No. 168 on the Fifa rankings.

“We are lacking in players who have international experience. We have some good local players in the league, but they can’t seem to take that form into international stage, and that’s why I have to rely on old faces.

“I obviously want to inject some new blood into the team, but those selected can’t perform and tend to be nervous,” said the national coach, who was a guest at the “One Goal” football coaching clinic.

The former international came under fire recently following Malaysia’s dismal performance at the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which saw them draw 1-1 against Timor Leste — who do not have a national league.

That draw, followed by the 6-0 thumping to war-torn Palestine on home soil has left Malaysia with an uphill task in the qualifiers, which also serves as qualification to the 2019 Asian Cup.

Following that results, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) decided to initiate a task force to look into the national team’s performance in their executive committee meeting on Saturday.

Dollah, however, did not show much interest in FAM’s plan.

“I don’t know much about that, I will just follow orders and leave that to FAM,” said the 51-year-old, adding it’s normal for a coach to bear the brunt when the team fares poorly.

“During my playing days, the players took the rap when they do not perform. But times changed and now the coaches take the blame. We just have to accept it and do our best.”

Dollah’s next assignment will be a friendly against Liverpool on July 24, before preparing his team for two crunch qualifiers against UAE (Sept 3) and Saudi Arabia (Sept 8).

The former Pahang coach hinted he may bank on familiar faces for the ties.

“Pahang have been consistent, so their players will be contention for selection. Right now I am short on options for defenders, especially the centreback position. I am also on the lookout for strikers who can score consistently.”