Tian Yonghang would announce the induction of Wings midfielder Hwang Teck Fu into the senior squad today, with the 17 year-old previously regarded as having a fifty-fifty chance of making the leap. Undoubted leadership ability and an imperious style had earned him the cognomen of "Little Emperor" in the academy, but it was also true that his comparatively-modest skills and natural instincts had been overshadowed by a fair number of his peers.

Hwang would not allow himself to be outworked, however, and carved out a niche for himself in the Wings setup, through countless additional hours spent in the weight room. His finely-sculpted physique, which would not have been entirely out of place in a bodybuilding competition, would see him gain the upper hand in numerous personal duels in his youth matches.

Chief scout Tham Beng Li acknowledged Hwang's sheer determination, in recounting his decision to give him a shot with the Wings. "After being cut by JR Youth, he came over the very same day, and asked if he could join." Tham said. "Some would see that as presumptuous, but it took some guts. I don't think the Birds can ever get too much of that!"

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