A controversial pick for Hong Kong team, Lau seeks chance to show worth

Kyle Lau Ka-kiu endured a controversial welcome to international football, but having had his selection for Hong Kong queried by some, he intends to make his big break count, starting against South Korea on Friday.

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Based in the United States, where he has studied for the past four years, Lau last month found himself in the eye of a storm when he was handed his debut during the Asian Cup qualifying win over India at Kai Tak Stadium – ahead of local favourite Lau Chi-lok

Many supporters pointed to Lau Chi-lok’s 18-goal season in Hong Kong for BC Rangers, while fellow forward Kyle Lau, who has played only 29 senior club games, was often across the Pacific, playing for his Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens university team.

This month’s East Asian Football Championship in Seoul offers the speedy student – who earned his second cap during Tuesday’s 6-1 rout by Japan – a chance to show what head coach Ashley Westwood saw in him.

“I didn’t think about [the controversy] too much, I just wanted to give it my all,” the 23-year-old said as he looked forward to Friday’s clash with the host Koreans.

Kyle Lau (right) celebrates his Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup goal with Raphael Merkies. Photo: Elson Li

“I’m really grateful for the trust the coach puts in me, and I want to pay him back.

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