Robson includes Therdsak, Sarayoot in final Thailand squad

 

Three-time champions Thailand have named a near full-strength squad of 22 players for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup.

The Thais are in Group A and start their campaign with a match against Laos in Jakarta on December 1. They will also play hosts Indonesia and Malaysia.

The only notable absentee from the squad is first choice goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan who broke his hand during training at the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool, who has plenty of international experience, will take over the goalkeeping duties with Sivaluk Tedsungnern as back-up.

Therdsak Chaiman, who was named Player of the Tournament the last time Thailand were crowned Asean champions in 2002, has been included in the squad despite not taking part in any of their warm-up games.

Thailand coach Bryan Robson, a former captain of England, believes that the veteran can still do a job for team as an impact player.

"I know everything that Therdsak can do so for me it was not necessary to play him in the friendlies," said Robson.

"I know there have been rumours about Therdsak retiring but those are not true. As far as I am concerned, a 36-year-old who loves football can play to a lot older than 36 as long as he keeps himself fit and Therdsak does that."

Winger Sutee Suksomkit has recovered from injury and midfield enforcer Surat Sukha will be released by Melbourne Victory if Thailand reach the knock-out stages.

Datsakorn Thonglao has played a lot of football in the last couple of months including five matches at the Asian Games where he was one of three over-age players in the Thai squad.

He has come through unscathed and Robson will deploy him in what he describes as the "Paul Scholes role", controlling play from deep positions.

"It is a bit like Paul Scholes at Manchester United – I want Datsakorn to get on the ball in front of the back four like Scholes does and start spreading the passes whether it is just bringing people into the game or hitting a 40-yard pass and splitting the defence, which he has the ability to do," said Robson.

"So that is why I want him on the ball a lot more."

Up front, Sarayoot Chaikamdee, nicknamed "Joe Five Yards" because of his poaching skills, has got the nod from Robson after scoring against Singapore and India in recent friendlies.

It is expected he will lead the line with either Teerasil Dangda, joint top-scorer with four goals at the last AFF Suzuki Cup in 2008 when Thailand lost in the final, or Teerathep Winothai.

Thailand Final Squad

Goalkeepers: Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool (Chonburi FC) and Sivaluk Tedsungnern (Buriram PEA)

Defenders: Panupong Wongsa, Nataporn Phanrit (Muang Thong United), Chonlatit Jantakam, Suttinun Phukhom, Suree Sukha, Natthaphong Samana (Chonburi FC) and Teeratorn Boonmathan (Buriram PEA)

Midfielders: Suchao Nutnum, Rangsan Vivatchaichok (Buriram PEA), Datsakorn Thonglao, Naruepol Ar-romsawa, Phichitphong Cheuichieu (Muang Thong United), Wichaya Dechmitr, Sutee Suksomkit (Bangkok Glass FC), Therdsak Chaiman (Chonburi FC) and Surat Sukha (Melbourne Victory)

Strikers: Teerasil Dangda (Muang Thong United), Sarayoot Chaikamdee (Thai Port FC), Teerathep Winothai (BEC Tero) and Kirati Keawsombut (Buriram PEA) 

Source - AFF Suzuki Cup