KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 ― National football head coach, Dollah Salled praised his young charges for putting up a sizzling performance against English Premier League (EPL) side, Liverpool FC in an international friendly match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here, tonight.

Citing Harimau Muda B (National Under-23 squad) striker, S. Kumaahran as an example, the 51-year old coach said the player showed a class performance despite being included in the penultimate minute of the second half of the match.

Therefore, he said, this would serve as a “warning” to the senior players to put in more effort to fight for a place in the national team especially for the remaining fixtures of the 2019 Asian Cup qualifier which also serves as a  qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“I didn't expect him to play so well despite being included in the second half. For me, all players must fight for their place to play for the national team,” he told reporters after the match which ended 1-1.

 PKNS FC striker, Liberian Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh shocked The Reds after he put Malaysia Selection XI in front in the 12th minute before Jordon Ibe scored the equaliser for the Merseyside club in the 28th minute.

Dollah at the same time was also pleased with the result despite the team only managing to train in a short period of time.

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC manager, Brendan Rodgers praised the home side for putting up an excellent performance against his young boys.

He noted that the match would serve as the best platform for the players to stay fit before the kick-off of the 2015/16 EPL season.

“I'm totally happy with what we have been going through in our pre-season tour so far. The home side (Malaysia Selection XI) gave us a difficult time especially in the first half but overall, I'm happy with our preparations going into the new season of EPL,” he told.

Liverpool started their pre-season tour by gunning down Thai All- Stars 4-0 in Bangkok on July 14 before defeating A-League sides, Brisbane Roar 2-1 on Friday and Adelaide United 2-0 Monday night in Australia.

The Reds will wrap up their pre-season tour against Finnish side, HJK Helsinki on August 1 at the 10,770-capacity Sonera Stadium in Helsinki, Finland. ― Bernama