KUALA LUMPUR: "Enough of the negativity."
Midfielder Brendan Gan wants everyone to support Harimau Malaya and stop labelling the current team as Malaysia B.
The team, in the absence of several regulars, silenced their critics by edging Myanmar 1-0 in their opening AFF Cup Group B match in Yangon on Wednesday.
Only seven players who played in the Asian Cup qualifiers in June are in the current squad for the AFF Cup.
Harimau Malaya will host Laos in their second game of the tournament at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
"This is a great squad of 23 players. We respect each other, and we are all here to do our best for the country.
"I hate it when stories go around about the team.
"For me, every player did well in the recent M-League season. So, those who are in the national team were selected on merit.
"Everyone in the team is giving their best in the AFF Cup," said Brendan, who plays for Selangor.
Brendan added: "I am a positive person.
"I will leave the negatives to the technical team. Against Myanmar, we handled tough situations well.
"We battled hard and took three points from an away game."
Against Laos tomorrow, Brendan said there are no easy teams in the AFF Cup.
The only player doubtful for the match is defender Khuzaimi Piee, who was on crutches after playing just the opening half against Myanmar.
"If the coach (Kim Pan Gon) wants me to take Khuzaimi's place, I will do it. I am even willing to play as a goalkeeper.
"I am ready."