'Commitment and desire' - LionsXII coach V.Sundramoorthy on what he expects from his players

Preparing for a run of two matches in the space of four days, V.Sundramoorthy spoke to Goal.com Singapore on the eve of their penultimate home match against Sabah FA.

"Most importantly, they must enjoy when they play," said the LionsXII coach.

"If not, they will not be able to perform."

He expects the game to be vastly different from the reverse fixture at Sabah, where his team narrowly edged out their opponents with a 1-0 victory.

"We need to dictate the game, and play on our terms," he explained.

"I want to see commitment and desire from the players.

"Anything can happen in football, but the players must be willing to run and fight for the same cause, as a team."

The physical manner in which Sabah had played the last game saw a whole host of fouls committed by both sides, culminating in the sending-off of LionsXII's diminutive utility-man Irwan Shah.

"Yes, he will be playing," confirmed the coach, dismissing any notion of Irwan's non-participation.

"Red cards are part and parcel of the game.

"He's ready, and I believe that this boy has given a lot to the LionsXII. He's a very hardworking player with a never-say-die attitude."

Vice-captain Hariss Harun is feeling confident of his team's chances tomorrow.

"We're good to go," he told Goal.com Singapore.

"I'm happy for the chance to play in the national team against Malaysia, but I was really looking forward to everyone coming back together again for the match against Sabah."

Striker Sufian Anuar is also back in the fold, having overcome a groin strain he picked up in the international match against Hong Kong.

"I've only just got the all clear from the medical staff," said the forward, who took part in the full training session.

"Agu (Casmir) will start tomorrow, but I'll be ready waiting on the bench."

Khairul Amri will join him on the bench, having also cleared a late fitness test.

The strikers' timely return will boost the Lions XII attacking options, which had been cut to the bone by injuries.