Discarded after some woeful performances in the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign coupled with an early exit in the Asian Cup 2004 in China, the old guards return to the international scene after almost two years.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has made the bold decision of reverting to the services of the ageing stars following a string of poor results by Thailand's young side on the international stage and plummeting to No 125 in the world rankings.

The list of 28 players that was announced yesterday is mostly made up of high-profile names led by arguably the Kingdom's most prolific striker, Kiartisak - who recently returned from Vietnam after a two-year successful spell with V-League outfit Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

The other well-known player is experienced midfielder Terdsak Jaiman, who got the MVP award for his stellar performance when Thailand won the Tiger Cup in 2002.

The FAT also appointed Chatchai Paholpat as the coach of the senior team for the King's Cup, the Asean Football Championship 2007 (formerly known as the Tiger Cup) and the Asian Cup, which will be co-hosted by Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam next year.

Chatchai said the 28 players had to report for a training camp on Tuesday. But he also said that the door was not completely shut for other players.

"All guys who have their names in the list have to report themselves at the FAT headquarter at 11am on Tuesday. During the initial phase, we will train only two days a week as we still have two months before the King's Cup starts. In between, I will let the players participate in the Queen's Cup [the club competition that begins next month]," said Chatchai.

"I consulted team manager Virat Chanpanich before picking up the side. I will certainly not close the door on other players who are not included in the list. My staff and I will watch players' performances in the Queen's Cup and if anyone plays well they will get the nod.

 "Regarding Asian Games players, if they get through the tournament without injuries they also have a chance to be called into the team," added Chatchai.

Meanwhile, young hot shot striker Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai scored the only goal of the game for Thailand's Under-23 side to see off New Zealand in the quadrangular Agribank Cup in Vietnam yesterday.

Thailand will face hosts Vietnam in their crucial match tomorrow, with top honours at stake.

Klinsmann new US coach?

nIn St Louis, former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann is in informal talks with the US Soccer Federation that could lead to him taking over as coach of the United States.

Klinsmann, who coached Germany to a surprising berth in the World Cup semi-finals this summer, told said on Thursday that he's been speaking with USSF president Sunil Gulati.

"We've had a couple of conversations. I'm evaluating everything that comes up," Klinsmann said. "I'll stay in touch with Sunil and see what it leads to. It's a very casual and relaxed correspondence."

Klinsmann resigned as Germany coach three days after the tournament, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. He lives in Los Angeles with his American-born wife and is regarded by many as the favourite to replace Bruce Arena, who was told by Gulati in mid-July that his contract would not be renewed.

"Sooner or later, I have to get back into coaching," Klinsmann said.

Gulati, who has refused to comment on his talks with any potential replacement, repeated on Thursday that he hopes to have a new coach in place by the end of the year.

Klinsmann is a close friend of Arena's and attended some US practices when the players worked out in California. He said there isn't any timetable on his talks with Gulati.

"Obviously, those are discussions that will continue, and we'll see where they lead," he said.