Neil Etheridge will sit out Birmingham City’s season finale in the English Football League in order to give him enough rest before joining the Philippine Azkals for next month’s World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Manager Lee Bowyer confirmed the move ahead of the Blues’ away match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park Saturday, May 8.
“Neil Etheridge will be traveling but he won't be involved,” Bowyer said in his pre-match press conference.
“Neil has had a bit of a stomach problem, and he's got international duty all summer so he's not going to have any rest. There's no point taking any risks,” he added.
Birmingham City is assured of staying in England’s second-tier league for at least another year after spending most of the season fighting t2o stay off relegation.
The Blues are in 18th position with 52 points, 11 clear of the relegation zone.
Etheridge is expected to rejoin the Azkals for the resumption of the joint qualifiers from June 3 to 15 in Suzhou, China.
Azkals coach Scott Cooper earlier this week confirmed the presence of Etheridge, who starred in the Philippines’ last international match on Oct. 19 when fancied China was held to a scoreless draw in Bacolod City.
The Azkals are slated to hold a training camp in Doha, Qatar on May 18 to 31 before flying to China for the qualifiers.
The Philippines takes on Guam on June 3 followed by host China and Group A leader on the 9th and 15th.