Etheridge renews ties with Cardiff

MANILA, Philippines — Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge took the next step in his bid to become the first player from the Philippines to make an appearance in the Premier League as he signed a three-year extension with newly promoted Cardiff City.

Etheridge enjoyed a superb season with the Bluebirds in the 2017-18 English Football League Championship, posting 19 clean sheets in 45 matches to lead the team to second place in the second-tier league and promotion to the top-flight Premier League this year and was rewarded with a renewal.

“We had a fantastic year last year and it’s great to continue that and extend my deal,” said Etheridge who will battle new signee Alex Smithies for the starting position in the top tier, where the Bluebirds begin their campaign on Aug. 11 on the road against Bournemouth.

“We are delighted to see another of our key performers from the 2017-18 Championship commit his future to the club. Neil enjoyed a fantastic first season at Cardiff City and I’m sure his supporters are just as pleased as us to see him sign this new deal,” said Cardiff executive director and CEO Ken Choo.