Thai coach in hopeful team can beat Singapore

Despite suspension and injury concerns complicating his plan, national coach Bryan Robson is bullish that Thailand would claim another three points against Singapore in the home tie of the 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers at Rajamangala National stadium today.

The 52yearold could not have asked for a better start in his first competitive game in charge of the national side when Thailand clinched a resounding 31 away victory over Singapore on Saturday, a result that substantially improved Thailand's qualification prospects in Group E.

Combined with pacesetters Iran's 10 win over Jordan, the success over Singapore helped the Kingdom sit comfortably in second spot in the group with five points at the half way of qualifying stage.

Should Thailand consign Singapore to another defeat in the return leg, they could build a big fivepoint gap over the island nation, a comfortable breathing space when heading into the final straight of the qualification race.

However, Robson faced a selection headache as he could not call upon the services of two regulars, goalkeeper Sintaweechai Hathairattanakul and left back Natthapong Samana, who will serve suspension in today's fixture. The former England captain was also sweating on the fitness of defensive midfielder Surat Sukha, who limped out of the weekend match.

The Englishman, who took over the national post last month after compatriot Peter Reid left to become assistant manager at English Premier League club Stoke City, has complete confidence in the ability of the players who are coming into the team to replace the stars.

 "If Surat fails to recover in time, it would not be a big blow for us since we have many good players in the squad, who could replace each other.

"I've instructed the lads to play with full determination as they did in Singapore otherwise we would get punished. Playing at home would make our players more confident. I believe the fans would and back the team to victory," said the 52yearold Robson.

Channel 7 will televise the game live from 6.30pm.