Believe it or not, it took a video game to discover these two brothers, who might just be the shot in the arm that Philippine football badly needs.

But if you look at young Filipino-British brothers Philip James and James Joseph Younghusband --- whose names were listed on the roster of English club Chelsea in the FIFA playstation game --- do not get bothered by the pressure at all.

"We have a great team and I'm confident that everyone will deliver. It's not only me and James, football is a team sport," said 18-year-old Philip James, a striker and the younger of the two brothers. The Philippines' string of disappointing results in recent years have paved the way for its 189th ranking in world football, flanked by Bhutan (188) and Cook Islands (190).

But with the brothers' arrival and a slew of Fil-foreigners in the fold, there's reason to be optimistic, just like Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez.

"RP football has gotten stronger because of them. It's just a matter of time," Romualdez said, referring to the country's chances of regaining its status as one of Asia's best --- a tag the Philippines held in 1930s to 1970s.

Born 11 months apart, the Younghusbands are among the six Fil-foreigners who will spearhead the RP Team in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games here. The Filipinos take on defending champion Thailand in their first game at the Panaad pitch Wednesday.

Despite their young age, both Phil and James are no strangers to high-level competition. They both played for top-flight English club Chelsea's farm team since they were 10 and Philip swears he's scored more than 100 goals for the squad.

In fact, before they left England two weeks ago, Philip, who stands 5-11, scored three goals in the last six matches of Chelsea 's division II team. The club recognized his potential early this year by giving him a place in the pre-season premiere league roster, giving him the rare opportunity to play with stars John Terry, Arjen Robben, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole.

The Younghusbands also hope to play an important role as the country bids for its first-ever SEAG medal. "It's an honor to don the Philippine jersey," the brothers, whose mother, Susan, met their British father, Philip James Sr., during a holiday visit in Manila 20 years, said.

"The team's spirits are very high. We (me and Phil) are bonding well with our teammates off the pitch," said James, who, like his brother learned football through the prodding of their father at the tender age of five.

Phil said he will be pacing RP's attack. "I can help with my composure on the ball which is critical in controlling possession and the game," he added.

"Our chances are very good. I look at other teams and us, we are quite similar," 6-1 James, who plays midfield, said.

RP XI coach Aris Caslib welcomed the addition of the Younghusbands to his team, saying that their experience will also be a crucial factor to the country's bid.

The Younghusbands, who hold both British and Philippine passports, said they will fly to London to play for Chelsea after the SEA Games but were quick to add that they do not have second thoughts for another tour of duty for the Philippines.

And if things go as planned, there's nowhere to go but up for RP football. *Cedelf Tupas

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