National hockey players in a huddle during their friendly match against France on Monday. - Pic courtesy of MHC
National hockey players in a huddle during their friendly match against France on Monday. - Pic courtesy of MHC

National hockey coach Arul Selvaraj believes his team have a promising future ahead following their Tour of Britain success.

The Speedy Tigers drew 2-2 with France at the Wales Hockey Centre on Monday to conclude their 10-match series with four wins, four draws and two losses.

Against France, world No 10 Malaysia took the lead through Shello Silverius in the 27th minute only for Victor Charlet (38th minute) and Timothy Clement (43rd) to hit back for 13th-ranked France.

Forward Faizal Saari came to the rescue with a penalty corner set piece in the 46th minute to salvage a draw.

Both teams drew 1-1 in their first meeting on Oct 15.

Arul said the team not only met their top-10 target, but the tour also provided a platform for his trainees to gain solid matches ahead of international assignments.

"We won three international matches and lost one, apart from the two draws against France," said Arul.

"The tour also helped the players learn about diet and the lifestyle an athlete should adopt to achieve success.

On the draw against France, Arul added that his team did well to bounce back and force a draw.

"We played the first and second quarters confidently but lost ground after the third period of the match.

"It allowed France to score two goals, but we managed to level the match.

"However, the tour also exposed our weaknesses, which we will rectify when we return to Kuala Lumpur.

"The main problem is scoring goals. My players have to be more aggressive when they create scoring opportunities."