LIONSXII will not poach from S.League

By ESPNSTAR.com

Photo: LionsXII facebook

Despite the LIONSXII current injury problems, players will not be signed from S.League clubs during the Malaysia Super League transfer window in April.

The Football Association of Singapore, who admitted that players from Courts Yong Lions may however still be poached, made the announcement on Saturday as the LIONSXII reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia FA Cup thanks to a 2-0 defeat of NS Betaria at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The side is also currently flying high in the Super League, despite having to deal with a lengthy injury list and the recurring problem of National Service duties having to be prioritised.

Confirming the FAS' stance, LionsXII head coach V. Sundramoorthy said: "Although we have been hit with several injuries in recent weeks, I am confident and happy with the commitment and the spirit of the squad that I have. We will work with what we have and the injuries will be a key test of the team's resolve and will also allow the other players to step up and prove that they deserve to be playing for the LionsXII on a more regular basis.

Photo: Zeng Liwei

"I am in discussions with Courts Young Lions coach Robin Chitrakar (Picture) to explore the possibility of giving a few more Courts Young Lions players the opportunity to play for the LionsXII in the Malaysian competitions, which is in line with our youth development strategy."

FAS General Secretary Winston Lee added: "The 2012 Great Eastern-YEO's S.League season has kicked off on a bright note for our clubs, and we want to avoid any unnecessary disruptions to the clubs for the rest of the season.

"Moreover, injuries are part and parcel of the game, and we must make do with what we have for the rest of the season.

"As for the possible transfer of players between the LionsXII and Courts Young Lions, the management from both teams will have to work out a transfer agreement."