KUALA LUMPUR: The Harimau Malaya football revolution should not rely solely on the naturalisation of foreign players, according to football critic Datuk Richard Scully.
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is spearheading the initiative, recently suggested that JDT's Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva and Argentinian forward Manuel Hidalgo could serve as short-term solutions for Malaysia.
He also revealed that several overseas-based players with Malaysian heritage are being scouted to join the national team.
While Scully, a former state-level player, said naturalisation could serve as a temporary measure, he urged a stronger focus on nurturing young local players.
He pointed to talents such as JDT II striker Gabriel Nistelrooy, Selangor's Abdul Rahman Daud, and Kedah's Afeeq Iqmal Rosli — who top the MFL Cup goal-scoring charts with 15, 10 and seven goals respectively — as players who deserve attention and opportunities with the national team.
"I'm happy to see movement and a revolution to elevate Malaysian football standards, but I'm not excited because we have yet to see real progress," said Scully.
"Several names have been mentioned for naturalisation, but it should remain a short-term solution.
"We also have youngsters excelling in the MFL Cup who should be considered for the national team pipeline.
"It's crucial to enhance these local talents, help them reach their potential and ensure they deliver results for the national team."
Scully further stressed the need for a structured roadmap to ensure that young talents gain enough experience with the national squad.
"Clubs should expose these players to senior-level competition in the Super League and provide them with opportunities in the national team," he said.
"The development of these youngsters should be a national priority.
"We need to ensure they are ready for the national team, which requires depth and long-term investment in these players."