Robson goes on a spying mission as Jordan tie looms

Thailand are due to take on the Middle East nation in the Group E home tie next Wednesday, a game which both teams need to win to stay in contention for the qualifi¬cation spots in the Cup to be held in Qatar in 2011.

Only a single point separate four nations in the group with only two games remaining. A defeat in the fix¬ture at Rajamangala National stadi¬um would potentially deal a fatal blow to either side's qualifying chances.

Having watched his side claim a convinc¬ing 30 victory over Zimbabwe in a tuneup match yesterday, Robson took a flight to China, where he will watch the game between Jordan and China today.

"I have already studied Jordan's play on video but I still would like to watch them play to gain as much knowledge as possible to prepare the team for the qualifier. Steve [Darby, the assistant coach] will take care of the preparatory work in my absence. I will return on Friday," said Robson, who is the third English trainer after Peter Withe and Peter Reid to coach the national team.

Meanwhile, Virat Chanpanich, the Football Association of Thailand's technical director, tried to clarify his position by confirm¬ing that Robson still had full power on team matters.

"I just do the coordinating job in the team and serve as a consult¬ant to the players. My work is to help the team and not to interfere in others' job. I don't come in to impose any rule.

"As the technical director, I felt guilty of not helping the team much previously. So, I will help them to the best of my abilities from now on. If there is anything that the team lack, I would try to provide it," said Virat.