While Fulham Football Club's first choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is away on international duty, his deputies have stepped in to fill the void, one of whom is the Azkal's Neil Etheridge.
Following the heroics of the Philippines' national football team in the recent AFF Suzuki Cup, Etheridge returned to England with valuable experience and an enhanced reputation. His employers, English Premier League (EPL) side Fulham FC, highly rate the 20-year old, who currently lies third in line between the sticks at the club.
At the beginning of this month, Schwarzer flew out to Doha, Qatar, to represent Australia in the Asian Cup. In his absence, Fulham's back-up goalkeepers were both promoted to provide support. David Stockdale, 25, is currently filling the boots of Schwarzer, whilst Etheridge has been brought in from Fulham's reserve team to sit on the bench as a substitute.
With Fulham languishing in the bottom half of the EPL, and the departure of key player Schwarzer, Manager Mark Hughes grabbed the chance to reassure the club's fans ahead of their clash against West Bromwich Albion on January 4.
"Whilst he [Schwarzer] will, naturally, be a loss for us, I have no hesitation in backing David Stockdale and Neil Etheridge," said Hughes.
"David did really well when he came in at the beginning of the season and there's no reason why he can't do the same again. [In addition] We've got Neil Etheridge who's been away on international duty and picked up some really good experience, so we're comfortable with the situation and that we have adequate cover," added Hughes.
As one of the tournament favorites, Australia is expected to reach the latter stages of the Asia Cup, which means there are potentially five to six games before he returns to Fulham. So far, Fulham has played two games, neither of which Etheridge has played in, but he remains focused at the task at hand.
"I'll be doing my work here as hard as I can and it will be the manager's decision on what happens. Of course, there's a pecking order but my job is to compete with David", said Etheridge.
Etheridge, who admits he looks up to Schwarzer, has been with Fulham FC for around five years. His contract is due for renewal, and the 6-foot-3 shot-stopper signaled his eagerness to remain and progress at the club.
"I've really enjoyed my time here. The club has treated me really well and the new manager's really pushed me on more as a first-team player. So I'm really trying to push on and hopefully seal a new contract before the end of the season", said Etheridge.
The Azkals are competing in the AFC Challenge Cup in February, and although Etheridge is hopeful, he is unsure whether he will be granted permission to join the squad. The decision lies with his manager Mark Hughes.