Written By: Kenneth Ho

Tampines Rovers’ trialist Jermaine Pennant shared that he is in Singapore for the long haul, should he agree to join the club.

The former Liverpool and Birmingham City star is on a week-long trial with the Stags, and is primed for a six-month contract, should he and Tampines come to terms.

“I am looking forward to a new challenge, a new chapter in my career,” Pennant told reporters before the start of his first Tampines training session.

“It’s a great opportunity to not only just play but to become a star and do more than just play football.

“I hope I can add to the league and make it more popular – get the crowds and as much of the fans out. It’s a project, not just me coming here, it’s more than that.”

Pennant was well known for his mazy runs down the right wings and sublime set-piece deliveries during his English Premier League (EPL) days.

But the 32-year-old believes he is able to fill in in various positions for the Stags.

“I will try to give the best I can – I have my skills, my assists,” he added. “What you used to see in the EPL, back in the years, I will try to bring as much experience and ability from the EPL to the Singapore league.

“The set piece is still going to be there, (but) I can play anywhere now. As you get older you have to adapt, if you want to be a better player, you have to adapt.

“So I can be pulling the strings, playing in a number 10 role if they need me in that position, on the left, on the right, on central midfield – so there’s many more parts now to my game with the same qualities that I have.”

Pennant also hopes to play a crucial role in Tampines’ push for a spot in the AFC Champions League group stages, should he sign for them.

Tampines will play India’s club Mohun Bagan on 27 January, in the first qualifying round of the competition. Should they prevail, they will then have to navigate through another two rounds of matches, before qualifying for the group stages.

“They seem like they wanted to move on to big things and I wanted to be part of it that’s why I am here,” Pennant said.

“Tampines are in the Champions League as well, so that’s an added bonus of why I came as I wanted to be a part of it.

“I dont wanna come all this way just for one season… I plan to stay as long as possible and do the best I can, and hopefully myself and Tampines together can be very successful.”