The Aussie-born ex-Sydney FC, Adelaide United and Melbourne City forward represented the Philippines at the region’s showpiece event thanks to his Filipino heritage (his mother is from the country, his father is Scottish).

And even though the Azkals left the UAE without a win - and Ramsay was on the fringes of the starting XI - just working under the Swedish coach left a lasting impression on the 31-year-old.

“Qualifying for the Asian Cup, it was massive for Philippines football,” Ramsay told FTBL.

Following a brief stint in Manila under ex-Sydney FC manager Terry Butcher, the Philippines FA went after a much bigger name for such an important tournament. 

Eriksson, now 71, joined the Philippines last October and was tasked with guiding the Azkals through the Suzuki Cup in late 2018 and January’s 2019 Asian Cup.

It never was going to be easy. And minus their biggest name from the English Premier League, Cardiff City keeper Neil Etheridge, the Philippines had a tough tournament. 

They lost to Marcello Lippi's China 3-0, Kyrgyzstan 3-1 and South Korea 1-0, albeit only conceding in the final 25 minutes.

“When Sven was appointed, it was a massive surprise for us," Ramsay said. "Someone with his coaching calibre and history. It shows the direction and how serious Philippines football is.

“It was a great experience. First and foremost he’s a gentleman and a really classy guy and very nice. Coaching wise, he kept it all very simple and direct.

“And he was very calm when it came to games.

"He tried to implement what he could with the squad he had. He didn’t know any of us from a bar of soap."