source: abs-cbnNEWS.comMANILA, Philippines – Christopher Greatwich, one of the vital cogs in the Philippine Azkals' successful stint in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, will not be available for the team’s future games.
Greatwich, who scored important goals in the Azkals’ successful games against Singapore and Vietnam, already skipped the Nationals’ playoff game against Mongolia last month due to his commitments in the US. He is reportedly coaching full-time in New Jersey.
Azkals regular goalie, Neil Etheridge, will also be unavailable for the second playoff game against Mongolia. He is in England under contract with the UK professional football club Fulham but has been loaned to the Charlton Athletic Football Club.
Midfielder Greatwich said through his Twitter account that he has already informed Azkals team manager Dan Palami about his unavailability.
"I spoke to Boss Dan and confirmed that I won't be available for the Mongolia game or the Qualifiers in Myanmar due to my work [commitments]," the Filipino-British said.
His brother, Simon, also plays for the Azkals.
Meanwhile, Eduard Sacapaño will take Etheridge's place.
The Azkals won their first playoff game against the Mongolian Blue Wolves, 2-0, at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City February 9.
They will have to settle at least a tie in the second playoff game with the Blue Wolves to advance to the tournament’s Group Stage. The game will take place in the Mongolians' turf in Ulan Bator on March 15.
Should they advance to the Group Stage, they will face football teams from Myanmar, Palestine and Bangladesh. All of the Group Stage games will take place in Myanmar.
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