Cardiff City footballer Perry Ng in Singapore for ‘familiarisation stint’ with Lions

SINGAPORE: Among the familiar faces during an open training session at Kallang Football Hub on Monday (Sep 2), was a figure who local football fans have been hoping to see for quite some time.

Invited by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for a “familiarisation stint” with the men’s national football team was Cardiff City footballer Perry Ng.

Under FIFA rules, Ng is eligible to play for Singapore via his late paternal grandfather James, who was born here, but later moved to Liverpool.

However, under Singapore citizenship rules, one can only qualify for a passport by descent if at least one parent was born in the country or is a citizen by registration.

“Ever since my grandfather passed away about 12 years ago, it’s always been a dream of mine to come here, represent him, represent my family that are still here, and to make them proud. My family here have never seen me play before, so to walk out to the National Stadium with them there will be a dream come true,” said Ng.

“I’m so excited for it to happen. And, yeah, this is the start.”

The right-back recently penned a deal which will keep him at the EFL Championship club till 2026. He has been Cardiff City’s player of the season for two years running.

The 28-year-old has started all four of the club’s league games this season.

“It’s nice to come and introduce myself to everyone, meet everyone, build relationships with the players, the coach, all the staff. Also to get some warm-weather training will be good for me, for my club career at home,” said Ng.

“And just to meet everyone, really, and get things going, and hopefully it can progress fast and we can get this completed soon.”

Also present was BG Tampines Rovers midfielder Kyoga Nakamura. Japan-born Nakamura arrived in