GOALKEEPER Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed was only 17 when he made his one and only senior national team appearance four years ago.
Back after recovering from a broken hand, Syihan is determined to make up for lost time by not only impressing national Under-23 coach Ong Kim Swee but also Nelo Vingada, the senior team coach.
The injury, which happened in a friendly match for Kelantan in June, kept him out of the Sea Games as well as the AFC Under-23 Championship qualifying round but Syihan is grateful for another chance to represent the country.
"I am thankful to the coach (Kim Swee) for this call up and getting another chance to play for Malaysia," said Syihan, 21.
"The hand is okay and there is no negative reaction.
"The rehabilitation went well and I am able to train normally. I have played in several President's Cup matches already and I didn't feel anything (to the hand)."
Syihan remembers well his unexpected call up by then-national coach K. Rajagobal for Malaysia's friendly against Palestine in 2013, with Syihan replacing Norazlan Razali for a dramatic last few minutes.
Within a minute Syihan had conceded a goal from a free-kick but redeemed himself by saving penalty although Palestine still won 2-0 in Kuantan.
"The experience I got playing in an international game was very valuable," he said.
"Saving the penalty was a special moment for me. I hope in the not too distant future, maybe next year, I get to play for the senior team again."
First, Syihan will have to fight his way into Kim Swee's final 23-man squad for the AFC Under-23 Championship in China next January.
The other goalkeepers in the training squad are Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim, Haziq Nadzli and Amierul Hakimi Awang.
"I have to fight to regain my position in the team and work hard to convince the coach," said Syihan, who was a regular under previous coach Frank Bernhardt and started in three of Malaysia's four matches at the Under-23 Dubai Cup in March.
"The other goalkeepers here are all good and have experience. After the disappointment of missing the Sea Games, I am back with a chance to reclaim my place in the team."