Hamza would ‘probably be on the bench’ in my team: Hong Kong coach

Hong Kong, China head coach Ashley Westwood caused a stir during Wednesday's pre-match press conference ahead of their Asian Cup Qualifiers clash with Bangladesh, remarking that he would probably bench Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury if the player were in his own team.

"Probably on the bench," Westwood said bluntly when asked where Choudhury would fit into his side, prompting laughter from journalists gathered at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The 49-year-old Englishman, however, remained composed, maintaining a straight face as he delivered his assessment.

Asked whether Hong Kong had devised any specific strategy to contain the former England under-21 international, Westwood replied: "Not at all. We're aware of his ability. Most of his football in England has been at right-back, as a defender. We know he can play in midfield, as a defensive midfielder. But it's about a team — one player doesn't make a team."

Hong Kong, China will take on Bangladesh on Thursday night in a crucial encounter for both teams as they push for qualification to the AFC Asian Cup.

The former Manchester United player also took the opportunity to criticise the matchday conditions, aiming his frustration at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for what he described as excessive use of the National Stadium pitch ahead of the qualifier.

"I think the pitch could have been better," Westwood said. "Bangladesh, as a federation, have been using it every single day, which is not good. That's bad ethics, really. You're supposed to leave the pitch unused for at least two or three days before an AFC Cup qualifying game. The Bangladesh federation chose not to do that. I'm not quite sure where that fits within the rules, but I'm sure it's not correct. And they've probably made the pitch a little bit worse."