According to Malaysia U-23 midfielder Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat, playing at the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship was beneficial to his young career.
The 18-year-old, who was recently promoted to Kelantan's senior squad for the upcoming Malaysian Super League season, featured twice at the tournament, including in the Tigers' quarter-final defeat to South Korea.
Although he did not get to shine much, Nik Akif said it would be valuable experience for him, especially if he gets to play at this year's AFC U-19 Championship.
The tournament, which Malaysia qualified for alongside South Korea and ahead of Timor-Leste and Brunei in their qualification group last year, will be held from October 18 to November 4 in Indonesia.
"[The AFC U-23 Championship] was the first time I played for the U-23 team and I gained a lot of experience including in terms of tactics," he said.
"When I play for the national U-19 team, I will do my best and fight until the end."
Besides the U-19 competition, Nik Akif also wished to play at the 2018 Asian Games, linking up with Ong Kim Swee's team again.
"I hope to be called up again for the national U-23 team," he added.
Seng Foo Lee
Wed Jan 24 2018
Atlanta United v Minnesota United: Five Stripes not concerned by winless run
Atlanta United have not won in four games, and have the in-form Minnesota United next up on Saturday.
D.C. United v Philadelphia Union: Gazdag eyes response after landmark goal overshadowed
Daniel Gazdag became the Philadelphia Union's all-time leading goalscorer earlier this week, but it counted for little.
Charlotte FC v Portland Timbers: Hosts target 90-minute display, Neville rues slow starts
Two out-of-form teams meet at Bank of America Stadium in MLS this weekend, with Charlotte FC hosting the Portland Timbers.
Sabalenka sets up Swiatek rematch at Madrid Open
Sabalenka edges out Rybakina
Saudi Pro League: Mahrez and Firmino on target as Al-Ahli tighten grip on third place
Firmino and Mahrez net for Al-Ahli
Europa Conference League: Aston Villa stunned by Olympiacos
Villa stunned in Conference League
Europa League: Wirtz and Andrich goals put Leverkusen on the brink, Marseille hold Atalanta
Leverkusen put one foot in final
'Just work hard mate' – Postecoglou's simple answer to Tottenham's tricky question
Hardy work the key for Spurs
Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham: Chalobah and Jackson goals dent Spurs' top-four hopes
Report: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
Campana not concerned by competing with Messi for Inter Miami records
Preview: Inter Miami v NYRB