SINGAPORE — Former Singapore ­international R Sasikumar believes that should Tampines Rovers succeed in signing English winger Jermaine Pennant, it could prove to be the catalyst needed to attract more high-profile players to the S.League.

Pennant arrived in Singapore today (Jan 7) for a week-long trial with the Stags, who are in the midst of rebuilding their squad for the ­upcoming campaign following a barren 2015.

While the 32-year-old has yet to put pen to paper on a contract with Tampines, there has already been a lot of buzz within the local football fraternity over the former Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Zaragoza player’s arrival.

Sasikumar — a FIFA-licensed agent and owner of sports events management and PR company Red Card — helped broker the deal 
for Pennant to attend the Tampines trial.

The former Singapore defender is confident more local clubs will follow in Tampines’ footsteps should the proposed move prove to be a success.

“You never know what kind of impact having Pennant play in the S.League will have,” said Sasikumar. “This is a footballer who has played for many top clubs and knows a lot of really good players personally. So if he has a good experience here, some of these players might start considering plying their trade in the S.League as well.

“Every year, I’ve got a couple of agents calling me to try and ­arrange deals for their players — some of whom have played in the Premier League — with S.League clubs. But not many clubs are willing to take the risk like what Tampines have done with Pennant so far.

“Hopefully, if Pennant enjoys success at Tampines, it will convince the other clubs to follow suit and be more willing to invest and take a chance in these high-profile players.”

However, while Sasikumar ­believes Pennant would be an ­“inspired” signing for Tampines, he insists that his former club should not be considered a shoo-in for ­the S.League title just yet.

“Pennant is not going to lose his class overnight. So if he keeps fit and stays injury free, I’m sure he’s going to kill it in the S.League for Tampines,” he said.

“People are getting excited over Tampines because they’ve signed nine former LionsXII players as well, and they have a good coach in V Sundramoorthy.

“So all the ingredients for success are there. They should be challenging for the title comfortably and, with a bit of luck, maybe go all the way in the AFC Cup.

“But a good team on paper doesn’t guarantee championships. The players will still have to put in the hard yards, and be focused on doing the job over the course of the season in order to achieve success.”