by Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - A fast-rising goalkeeper being eyed by the Philippine Azkals as their next marquee player could become the first Filipino to see action in the French top flight football.
Alphonse Areola, who was tagged by Azkals manager Dan Palami as one of the team's possible future members, is expected to be named on Paris St. Germain's (PSG) starting XI when they face Lorient in their season-opening home match Saturday.
The 18-year-old, who has Filipino parents, is currently second-choice goalkeeper in the club but was thrust into the spotlight after PSG's new shotstopper, Nicolas Douchez, was injured.
FIFA.com confirmed Friday that Douchez remains sidelined by his ankle injury and is unavailable for the Saturday clash, which will allow the teenager Areola to make his French Ligue 1 debut.
The Clairefontaine-trained Areola had an impressive pre-season with PSG, notching clean sheets in the team's wins over other clubs such Italian side AS Roma (3-0) and Argentinian giants Boca Juniors (3-0).
Although Areola also has played for France's national youth football teams, the 6'2" wonderkid has the choice to play for the Philippine Azkals, as long as he is not yet capped for the French senior team, according to FIFA rules.
Read more: Alphonse Areola: Azkals or Les Bleus?
PSG has offered to extend the youngster's contract to until 2015, even as Areola is allegedly a transfer target for English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
PSG are being tipped as one of the title favorites in the French top league in the coming season.
The club was recently bought by Qatar Sports Investments, which has brought in cash and 7 new players including the 42-million-euro Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore.
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