Hassan Sunny has enhanced his reputation as the iron man of Singapore football after making his comeback from a serious injury after only 16 days.
The Home United goalkeeper stunned observers by taking the field in Monday night's Singapore League Cup match against Hougang United, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Jalan Besar Stadium.
On June 23, Hassan seemed set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder, breaking his nose, and suffering potential head injuries after a sickening collision in an S.League game against champions Albirex Niigata (S).
There were fears that Hassan would miss Home United's AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal finals against Ceres-Negros in early August, and Singapore's AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Tajikistan a month later. But after spending the Hari Raya holiday in Raffles Hospital, the 33-year-old worked through the pain barrier to get himself fit again before his surprising return after just over two weeks.
"Hassan played because he wanted to play, and he was cleared by the doctor," Home United coach Aidil Sharin said. "There's no reason to put him on bench, like the last game. The team gained confidence with him and Hariss [Harun} there."
Home United captain Hassan was injured after an horrific clash of heads with Albirex left-back Naofumi Tanaka as he came off his line to punch clear a free kick. But against Hougang, he seemed his normal, confident self as Home controlled possession, yet failed to come up with a knockout blow.
Hassan will be a crucial member of the Singapore squad for upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers, with the Lions earning only one point from their opening two matches.
As for Home United, both Hassan and coach Aidil were frustrated not to secure all three points against Hougang.
"It's a tough game, we dominated the whole game and Hassan did nothing, except for one occasion in the second half," Aidil said.
"We had so many chances, it was just that the ball did not go in."
Hassan is expecting to next to be in action on Thursday night when Home face a must-win Group A game in the Singapore League Cup against holders, Albirex.
Certainly, the Japanese outfit weren't expecting to face the former Premier League of Thailand custodian when they saw him carried off Jalan Besar Stadium at the end of last month.