Selangor's newest import Robert Cornthwaite says that he hopes to contribute important goals as the Red Giants look for their first major Malaysian silverware in five years.
The 29-year-old Australian international defender moves to the Malaysian Super League (MSL) after four seasons in the K-League with Jeonnam Dragons.
At an imposing 6-foot-6, the former Adelaide United star scored three times in eight matches at international level, including the winner as the Socceroos beat South Korea 2-1 away, in 2012.
Excited to be joining Selangor FA for the upcoming season. My Asian adventure continues thepitchmgt... http://t.co/7mSnOcUV6d
- 코 니. Rob Cornthwaite (@robcornthwaite) December 8, 2014
"I've always scored goals wherever I have played and that's a great weapon to have in a centre-back," Cornthwaite told ESPN FC. "My strength and height and are obviously a big advantage and that's allowed me to win aerial battles and score at set pieces, at all levels of the game."
Cornthwaite will hook up with former Socceroo defender in Selangor head coach Mehmet Durakovic, following in the footsteps of Steve Pantelidis who provided the Australian flavour at the club last season. Selangor, who finished second on the table in 2014, haven't won the MSL since 2010 and haven't lifted the Malaysia Cup since 2005.
"Having an Aussie coach in Mehmet was huge as I had a foreign coach for my entire time in Korea. I'm looking forward to working with him and having a successful year," Cornthwaite said.
"My contract was up after four seasons in Korea and I knew I was ready to go somewhere new. I love the experience of playing in Asia and it's something that I wanted to continue to do. So when the opportunity to move to Selangor came up, I knew it would be a good fit for me, especially being so close to Kuala Lumpur."
As he embarks this week on a pre-season tour of Indonesia with Selangor, he says he's liked what he's observed so far in Southeast Asia.
"I have already been impressed by what I have seen. The players are extremely good on the ball and very sharp. Their ability to play in all conditions including heavy rain when other players may struggle has been hugely impressive," he said.
"We are involved in three or four different competitions. I believe we have quite a young and willing side so we should have a successful season and win some silverware."
The 2015 Malaysian Super League season begins with the Charity Shield between league champions JDT and Cup winners Pahang on Jan. 31.