HERO'S WELCOME FOR SUBRI

The winner of FIFA's goal of the year award, Mohamad Faiz Subri, got a hero's welcome back to Malaysia Wednesday from some 200 cheering fans as he vowed to seek more first-team action. "I will fight for a regular spot," the diminutive Penang state footballer told reporters. "And, if God willing, (I will) score similar curving goals because I practise hard to hammer the ball into the net," he added, while thanking supporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Faiz failed to be a regular fixture in the starting line-up for Penang last season in the Malaysian Super League. "Faiz has made us all proud. I pray more Malaysians will follow his footsteps," said fan Aida Rasid, 28, a clerk waiting at the airport. The Malaysian government and football authorities have announced a 150,000 ringgit ($33,500) cash reward for Faiz.