Harimau Malaya's Gary Robbat earns Wenger praise

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A combative display by Gary Stevan Robbat in Malaysia's 2-1 friendly loss to Arsenal on Tuesday saw him earn the praises of both Arsene Wenger and K. Rajagobal.

Robbat, who currently plies his trade in the Great Eastern-YEO's S.League with Harimau Muda, was rewarded for his fine performances so far this season with his first-ever call-up to the Malaysia side.

And while he didn't start Tuesday's game at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, he came on for Kelantan's Shakir Shaari nine minutes before the break to make his international debut and didn't look out of place against his more-illustrious opponents.

The 19-year-old even won a number of midfield duels against the likes of Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song, and his fearless performance saw him singled out by the Arsenal boss after the game.

"The number 15 [Robbat] played well when he came on," Wenger told ESPNSTAR.com.

Malaysia coach Rajagobal also revealed he had spoke about the central midfielder to his opposite number before the game, and had glowing praise for the youngster.

"He distributed the ball and he used his physique even though he's a young lad. He's been with me from the start since my time in charge of Harimau Muda. I know this boy well and I think he has a very bright future."

Robbat will now be looking to build on Tuesday's impressive performance by earning his second cap when Harimau Malaya take on another Barclays Premier League side, champions Manchester City, on Monday.