After Thailand failed to qualify for the last Asian Cup finals in China, the old guards were dropped in favour of a new generation of players.

However, the younger players have performed inconsistently due to their lack of international experience, which has forced the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) into recalling the ageing trio of Kiartisak, playmaker Tawan Sripan, and former Asian all-star player Dusit Chalermsan, into the squad for the finals in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam next year.

Kiartisak, who once had a short spell with English club Huddersfield Town, is relishing his chance to play for the country once again.

"I would like a fitting finale to my international career," Kiartisak said. "If I get the chance to go to the Asian Cup, I will fight for my place. I will not ask for any favours with regard to team selection. If I'm not up to scratch during training, the coach should leave me out of the team."

Dusit however, seemed to have mixed feelings about returning to the national team.

"I still have nightmares from two years ago. This time if they really want me to come back, I will talk with the coaches about what they really expect from me," Dusit said.

Reflecting on the time he was suddenly dropped after the team's losing streak, he says, "I had spent years trying to build success but everything collapsed overnight so I do not want to be made a scapegoat again."

Chanwit Pholcheewin, Thailand's national head coach, clarified the three had been recalled for the Asian Cup not the Asian Games, which will be held at the end of this year in Qatar.

"We all know about the calibre of Kiartisak, Tawan and Dusit," said Chanwit. "Personally, I do not feel uncomfortable about recalling them to the squad, but they will have to earn their place in the team," Chanwit said.

Chanwit also said that he will propose at the FAT meeting today Chatchai Pholpat's appointment as coach of the Asian Cup side.

Meanwhile, a host of European-based stars have been called up to spearhead their team's drive to reach the Asian Cup finals in the next round of qualifying today.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will lead Australia against Kuwait, while China have drafted in Anderlecht forward Dong Fangzhuo and Sheffield United midfielder Li Tie to ensure they beat Singapore.

While Australia are already through to the finals co-hosted by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam next year they want to maintain their momentum and have named a dangerous squad for their trip to the Far East.

Coach Graham Arnold has included nine of the players who represented Australia at the World Cup. The whole squad is European-based, although PSV Eindhoven midfielder Jason Culina was ruled out on Monday with a torn hamstring.

Australia are the highest ranked Asian side in the world at 33 after their run into the second round at the World Cup in Germany.

With three qualifying matches left, China need to beat Singapore in the city-state to avoid a tricky last two games. China are level with Iraq on six points in Group E, with Singapore and Palestine on three.

Defending champions Japan take on Yemen looking to get their campaign back on track.

Kitinan Sangaunsak

The Nation