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Mark Hartmann aims to be first Filipino in S.League with Geylang

Philippines striker Mark Hartmann, who is on trial with Singapore side Geylang International, is aiming to become the first Filipino footballer in the S.League.

The Azkals' forward was given permission by his club Global FC to fly to Singapore to train with the Eagles, as he looks at his options, with his contract running out at the end of this month.

The former Southampton, Portsmouth and Swindon Town youngster has scored 44 times in 57 appearances for Global and has seven goals in 18 matches for the Philippines national side.

"I arrived here on Sunday and will be here for a couple of trainings with Geylang," Hartmann told ESPN FC.

"My knee feels good and I've just completed rehabilitation. I'll have to wait another month to play competitively and I should be good to go."

Geylang, who sit in fourth place in the S.League, have managed 19 goals in 13 matches, with midfielder Carlos Delgado the club's top scorer on five. But they are lacking an out-and-out striker to lead the line -- a role that head coach Hasrin Jailani feels Hartmann is perfect for.

"It's no secret that we are lacking a proper target man who can hold the ball up and score goals," said Hasrin.

"Mark was supposed to come in much earlier [last December] but unfortunately, he suffered an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] injury.

"From what I see in training so far, Mark is a typical no. 9 striker who knows where the goal is. He has a great physique to lead the line.

"But the S.League transfer window is very tight [closing on June 10] and if we like what we see in the next few days, hopefully we can sign the player in time.

"If not, I'm still going to put him in my plans for next season because he is a quality player."

As for Hartmann himself, he is relishing the prospect of becoming the first Filipino to play in the S.League.

"It would be fantastic if I become the first player from the Philippines to make a name for myself in Singapore," he said.

"Geylang are a good and well organised club from what I see, and the boys have invited me in with open arms. The standard of training was good so I'm looking forward to the next few days to see how it pans out."

With the AFF Suzuki Cup to be co-hosted by Philippines in November, Hartmann is aware of the risk of failing to catch Azkals' coach Thomas Dooley's attention far away from home.

Despite that, he is confident that if he delivers the goods in Singapore, winning a spot in the national team for Southeast Asia's showpiece tournament is possible.

He said: "Hopefully not [affect my chances of getting called up for Philippines]. I've spoken to coach [Dooley] a few times since my injury but nothing has been mentioned about the Suzuki Cup.

"If I get a contract with Geylang, then it'll be about scoring a couple of goals and we can take it from there."

Should Hartmann secure a contract to turn out for Geylang for the second half of the season, he will be the first Southeast Asian foreign import in the S.League since Thai midfielder Theerawekin Seehawong for Woodlands Wellington in 2013.

In years past, some of the region's top stars like Kiatisuk Senamuang, Tawan Sripan, Therdsak Chaiman and Sutee Suksomsit played their football in Singapore.