Singapore giants Tampines Rovers will be chasing their ninth victory in a row when they face reigning S.League champions Brunei DPMM in the Singapore League Cup at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday night.
Tampines are already guaranteed a spot in the semifinals of the competition after two consecutive wins, including Sunday night's 3-0 thumping of Warriors FC. But they can top Group A, and potentially avoid a semifinal against S.League leaders, Albirex Niigata (S) if they can take care of Steve Kean's Bruneians under the lights of Jalan Besar.
Despite missing several international stars on Singapore duty in Japan -- plus ex-Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant -- the Stags overcame a slow start to dominate the Warriors. And one of their standouts was Canadian-born Jordan Webb, who shone in an unfamiliar role, operating as deep-lying playmaker instead of a winger or forward.
Webb, who has been at the heart of Tampines' winning streak under new coach Akbar Nawas, says he is happy to step into whatever role is needed. The Stags have scored 28 goals in their last eight matches since Akbar took over at the beginning of last month.
"We're playing a lot of young boys and I'm playing in my new position because all the national team players are gone, it's been fun," he told ESPN FC.
"It's quite hard but it's nothing we can't do. That's why we have a big squad. We still have quality players and we have some good players from the Prime League as well."
Former Liverpool attacker Jermaine Pennant has also been absent from Tampines' League Cup run with an Achilles tendon problem. That has meant more responsibility on Webb's shoulders to help be a creator within the side.
He added: "It's quite difficult playing without Jermaine Pennant. He's our best player, right?"
Pennant will be missing from the game against Brunei DPMM and is targeting the resumption of Tampines' S.League campaign at the start of next month for his full return.
Webb was recruited by V. Sundramoorthy for Tampines Rovers at the start of the 2016 campaign after impressing with previous clubs, Young Lions, Home United and Hougang United over six S.League seasons.
Now, with Sundram as national team boss, he's still hopeful of getting his Singapore citizenship in time for November's AFF Suzuki Cup.
"Right now I think my [Tampines] chairman [Krishna] is helping me out with it," Webb said.
"Hopefully, Sundram does something soon because I want to play in that Suzuki Cup in front of a lot of big crowds. "It will be [a dream come true]."
Webb also has September's quarterfinal of the AFC Cup. against India's Bengaluru FC over two legs. to look forward to after missing the Round of 16 win against Selangor because of injury.
Now with an extra string to his bow, the more versatile and mature Webb is building a strong case to be selected in the Suzuki Cup squad -- if his Singapore passport comes through in time.
Webb was recruited by V. Sundramoorthy for Tampines Rovers at the start of the 2016 campaign after impressing with previous clubs, Young Lions, Home United and Hougang United over six S.League seasons.
Now, with Sundram as national team boss, he's hopeful of getting his Singapore citizenship soon so his former mentor can consider him for November's AFF Suzuki Cup.
"Right now I think my [Tampines] chairman [Krishna] is helping me out with it," Webb said.
"Hopefully, Sundram does something soon because I want to play in that Suzuki Cup in front of a lot of big crowds.
"It will be [a dream come true]."
Webb also has the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup against India's Bengaluru FC to look forward to after missing the Round of 16 win against Selangor because of injury.
Now, with an extra string to his bow, the more versatile and mature Webb is building a strong case to be selected in the Suzuki Cup squad -- if his Singapore passport comes through in time.