Former Belgium U-21 international Dion Cools called up by Harimau Malaya

Belgian-Malaysian full-back Dion Cools was revealed on Tuesday as the latest addition to the Harimau Malaya squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches.

The international call-up for the Kuching-born defender, who is playing for FC Midtjylland in Denmark and represented Belgium at several underage levels, was highly anticipated after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) teased about it in the past week.

"Dion Cools has linked up with the team in Dubai, UAE, today and is officially the 26th player in the current Harimau Malaya squad.

"This is after all documentation processes at the FIFA and AFC levels, especially on his eligibility, registration and so on, were concluded.

"With his inclusion, it will add quality [to the team] and strengthen the Harimau Malaya.

"I hope that all Malaysians especially the loyal supporters of Harimau Malaya will pray for our team to achieve success," said FAM president Hamidin Amin in an official statement.

Malaysia, currently second in Group G, face the United Arab Emirates (June 4), Vietnam (June 12) and Thailand (June 16).