KUALA LUMPUR: The prospect of another heritage player potentially representing Harimau Malaya has drawn attention among Malaysian football fans after 18-year-old Middlesbrough defender Cayden Cole confirmed his maternal family roots in Beranang, Selangor.

The teenage left-back addressed speculation about his ancestry in a post on his personal Instagram account (@iamcaydencole3), captioned: "for everyone asking"

Cole is the son of former Chelsea, West Ham United and England international striker Carlton Cole, while his younger brother, Cody Cole, is developing in the West Ham United academy.

The post indicated that the London-born defender could be eligible to represent England, Sierra Leone, Nigeria or Malaysia, with his Malaysian connection traced to his maternal grandmother, who was born in Beranang.