Defender Lim kicking for a national call-up

KADIR YAHAYA may be the undisputed No. 1 at right-back. But he may be looking over his shoulder soon.

Tanjong Pagar United's Bernard Lim Soon Seng, 21, turned in an inspired display in his club's 3-0 victory over Home United on Saturday, suggesting that he might well be ready for a call-up into the national team.

During the match, a former national team coach was overheard saying: "Whitbread should move Kadir to stopper and play Soon Seng at right-back."

That is how highly he is being rated.

Such a comment, though, is ironic.

Towards the end of last season, Lim made his debut for the Jaguars as a stopper. He replaced national team player S. Subramani, who was injured. But when Subramani came back, Lim was switched to right-back.

And he clearly impressed enough last season for Jaguars coach Robert Alberts to keep faith with him as his first-choice right-back.

Now there is even talk that he might force national coach Barry Whitbread to rethink a position for Singapore's regular right-back Kadir, 30, just so he can fit Lim into the team.

Together with Subramani, Lim Tong Hai and Jorg Steinebrunner, Soon Seng has helped the Jaguars boast the meanest defence in the S-League so far -- only three goals conceded in six matches.

Alberts was all praise for his defender. "He is quick on the turn and has good pace. However, his greatest asset is when he is one on one with opponents. He never lets his man go past him."

Soon Seng's favourite player is Brazil's full-back Roberto Carlos. However, he admitted humbly: "I'm basically not a ball player. I'm not skilful like Carlos. My greatest strength is my defending."

His love for soccer started when he was six. "My parents brought me to the National Stadium to watch Singapore play. The atmosphere was electric and it made me want to play soccer too."

When asked to comment about calls for him to be included in the national team, he said: "I have not thought about that. Of course it is every footballer's dream to represent your country. However, I feel I am not quite good enough yet."

Coach Alberts agreed. "He is still a young lad with a lot to learn."

Young Soon Seng may be, but he is already playing like a seasoned professional.