THE Bechler brothers, Julian Johan and Joshua Johan, who are of Malaysian-German parentage, hope to impress coach Brad Maloney and earn spots in his national Under-19 squad for the AFC Championships in Uzbekistan in November.
Joshua, 17, a left-back with Rot-Weiss Frankfurt and a rising star in Germany, is compared to former world fastest man Usain Bolt by his peers for his quickness and ability to outrun opponents with ease.
It is not surprising that he is known as 'Bolt' in the Hessenliga Under-17 League, one of five branches of the Bundesliga II U-17 competition.
It is reported that 10 professional clubs in Germany are keen on signing Joshua.
English clubs Brighton, Fulham, Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers have also offered him opportunities to train with their youth squads.
His brother, Julian, 18, a goalkeeper, was signed by reigning Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) last year. He is expected to be absorbed into the JDT III squad.
"I am known as one of the fastest left-backs and left-wingers in Bundesliga II.
"My goal is to become a perfect player for the Malaysian team," Joshua told Bernama yesterday.
"I normally use my speed to my advantage. I score many goals and also provide scoring opportunities for my teammates.
"If I am called up to represent Malaysia, I will do my best to make the country proud," said Joshua.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) are trying to secure Joshua for the AFC Under-19 Championships in October.
Meanwhile, Julian said they hope to be given a chance to prove their worth in the next training camp.
Julian had a stint with the national Under-19 training squad when Bojan Hodak was handling the team.
But, he did not make the final squad as he did not have a Malaysian identity card then.
Both brothers, however, have provided documents of their heritage to Malaysia to the FAM.
Their mother, Datuk Nooraini Anne Bechler is a Malaysian.
The AFC Under-19 Championship on Oct 14-31 is a qualifier for next year's Under-22 World Cup in Indonesia.
Malaysia are drawn in Group D with former champions Qatar, Tajikistan and Yemen. - BERNAMA