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The 23-year-old Teeratep was purposely omitted from the team for the opening match away against Jordan by the team management so that the striker will adjust to the new club which he joined a month ago. Thailand came back with a precious point after a goalless draw from the encounter.

The former BEC Tero Sasana forward, though, received a call-up for the glamour tie with the Cup's three-time champions Iran, who are coached by their legendary striker Ali Daei. He arrived in Bangkok yesterday after playing a cameo role in Lierse's 1-1 draw with Liege during the weekend. 

"I took the flight back home straight away after the Liege fixture in which I came on as a late substitute. Now, I already have two league games under my belt. Things are gradually starting to move in the right way.

"Nevertheless, I still need more time. Everything is going to be alright. My team is doing well right now as we currently occupy the second spot, just two points off the summit.

"We stand a good chance for promotion or at least a play-off place. Our next game is scheduled on Saturday. So, after the national duty, I have to fly back to Belgium, which means I'll definitely miss the traditional match between Chulalongkorn and Thammasart Univer-sities," said Teeratep.

Teeratep revealed that he would not have any problem whether national coach Peter Reid handed him a starting spot or not against the Iranians, who topped the table following the 6-0 mauling of Singapore. "I occasionally had a phone talk with Reid while I was there. He said he needed me for the Iran match. It's up to him whether he wants me to start the game.

"I'll accept his decision. He changed the system to play with only a lone striker while I was absent. So, he might revert to the old one."