Poor finishing has characterised Chanvit's men, who are now in Germany for a two-week training camp. The lack of predatory instincts was evident in the warm-up match against a makeshift German side on Saturday night, in which Chanvit's men could manage only a 2-1 win over a side comprising players from three teams in Fulda city.

With the continent's top-flight competition less than three weeks away, Chanvit, whose side has a tough assignment in Group A against Australia, Iraq and Oman, knows he has loads of work to do in the little time he has.

"The current problem is that the team didn't make one-two passes as much as I expected, and we must learn how to cope with counter-attack after we lose the ball in our build-up play," said Chanvit.

"Our finishing is also worrying. Not only did the strikers lack confidence but they were also devoid of predatory instincts when the scoring opportunities came. But in training the lads were different.

"I'm concerned because we cannot teach them. It's up to the players themselves. We can only suggest how to do it. I still believe they would gradually do better," said Chanvit, whose side is due to conclude their German trip with a tune-up match against Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt's Under-21 team on Sunday.

Although the outcome of Saturday's warm-up match was not satisfying for the Thai camp, Fulda-Zeitung, a local newspaper, praised the Thai team's performance. It said Chanvit's side had good technique, the passing was quick and the players are short but effective. It also praised Thai people, who turned up at the stadium, for creating a lively atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Thailand are one of six countries which havedeclared their interest to be one of two hosts of the Asean Football Championship in 2008. The other five are Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Singapore and Vietnam.

'Owen will stay'

nNewcastle legend Alan Shearer said yesterday he is convinced Michael Owen has no choice but to stay with the Magpies next season because no club will run the risk of buying a player who has spent nearly two seasons struggling with injuries.

The 27-year-old England international is yet to reveal his plans amid suggestions he could leave Tyneside under a release clause in his contract.

"To be honest, I don't think anyone would be prepared to pay 10 or 11 million pounds for him until they have seen him play for five or six months," said Shearer.

"I am sure there are lots of people who want to ask me whether I think Michael Owen will be at Newcastle next season.

"So if anyone says to me, 'Will he be here next season?', I would have to say yes, I think he will be."