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AKARTA: Former striker Aston Villa striker Lee Hendrie was expected to land in Jakarta on Tuesday night to ink a deal to play for Bandung FC in the Indonesian Premier League.

Hendrie, 33, was a key player for Villa from 1995-2007 and supported the England national team from 1995-1998 along with David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand.

His upcoming debut in Indonesia will be matched by a showing from Brazilian Alexandre da Silva Mariano, who previously joined Bandung FC.

Bandung FC CEO M. Kusnaeni said that the team needed Hendrie.

“Hendrie has been earmarked to play as a link-man, he’s a striker who has a mature skill in attacking.

“We expect his appearance would elevate the team’s play. As a new club, we need an idol for our supporters and a mentor for players. Hendrie will be a good tutor for our players because of his solid experience in world’s best league, the English Premier League,” Kusnaeni said in a statement sent to The Jakarta Post.

Hendrie’s was expected to make his Indonesian debut on Saturday when Bandung faces off against Solo FC. — JP