Singapore stars head for Wolves trial
Two Singapore internationals are heading to Wolves on trial – and an ex-Molineux player thinks they can make a 'real impact'.
Brothers Irfan and Ikhsan Fandi, aged 20 and 19 respectively, are due at Compton in the coming weeks where Nuno Espirito Santo will run the rule over them.
Older brother Irfan has already met Nuno and the head coach’s agent Jorge Mendes, who it’s believed were recently in Singapore.
Tall centre half Irfan and attacking midfielder Ikhsan both have full caps for their country and are stars back home in Singapore.
They both had a trial with Dutch club Groningen in March, where their father and Singapore football great Fandi Ahmed played in the 1980s.
Ex-Wolves keeper John Burridge, formerly a goalkeeping coach for the Singapore national team, has worked with both players.
He compared Irfan to England defender John Stones and said: “They are two great youngsters, superb athletes with great mentality.
“Irfan is the oldest of the two and very versatile . He can play in defence midfield and attack.
“He is 6ft 2in and very strong but good on the ball. As a defender he reminds me of John Stones. Ikhsan can play in midfield and attack.
“Both brothers have got overseas experience having played for club sides in Chile and they also had trials in Holland for Groningen where their father Fandi Ahmad was a professional so I think they can adapt to playing overseas.
“Both have played for the senior national side in Singapore and I think they could make a real impact at Wolves.”
Irfan told Singapore publication The New Paper of his meeting with Nuno and Mendes: “They just asked me to prepare well mentally and physically.
“I have about two weeks before I go so, during this time, I’ll be going for more gym sessions and getting myself focused before I leave.
“The players overseas are a lot better technically, mentally and physically.
“They have a very strong will and a passion for football. They base their life on football and they would do anything in training.
“After I came back (from Groningen), I tried to tell the boys how it is like there, so they can learn to give their best in training. In Singapore, the situation is hard because of school and stuff.
“Overseas, they have school too, so it’s not an excuse not to work hard.”
