Singapore's AFF Suzuki Cup hopes have been boosted by the return of two potential match winners for the tournament in Philippines and Myanmar.
Tampines Rovers midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman, and Geylang International striker Shafiq Ghani, have been selected in a 28-man squad to take on Syria and Cambodia in AFF warm up games.
Shahdan returned to action on Oct. 15 after a broken leg, while Shafiq was out for almost half a year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. They are the two additions to the group that travelled to Hong Kong for an Oct. 11 friendly, losing 2-0.
Singapore will play Syria in Seremban on Nov. 9 before a home game against Cambodia at Bishan Stadium four days later.
"The opponents in our upcoming friendly matches are strong in different aspects, and they will provide a good test for our boys," said head coach V. Sundramoorthy.
"At the same time, the centralised training camp over the next two weeks will allow us to further strengthen camaraderie in the team."
The Singapore squad will leave for Doha on Wednesday for a five-day training camp. They are in the more difficult Group A at the Suzuki Cup, facing up to defending champions Thailand, co-hosts Philippines and Indonesia.
"The FAS management, coaches and backroom staff have done their part to prepare us for the tournament and it is now our turn to deliver the results," said captain Shahril Ishak. "We have a good team of experienced and young players and we are raring to go."
Added coach Sundram: "After five months with the national team, our boys are prepared for the AFF Suzuki Cup. We will remain fully focused and demonstrate the Singapore spirit as we strive to do well in the competition."
After a winless run of five games, Singapore fell to a worst-ever FIFA ranking of 171st at the start of October.
Singapore squad:
Goalkeepers: Hassan Sunny, Izwan Mahbud, Syazwan Buhari, Zaiful Nizam
Defenders: Baihakki Khaizan, Daniel Bennett, Irfan Fandi, Juma'at Jantan, Madhu Mohana, Afiq Yunos, Faritz Hameed, Hafiz Sujad, Shakir Hamzah, Mustafic Fahrudin
Midfielders: M Anumanthan, Hariss Harun, Shahril Ishak (c), Faris Ramli, Izzdin Shafiq, Safuwan Baharudin, Shawal Anuar, Yasir Hanapi, Gabriel Quak, Shahdan Sulaiman
Strikers: Sahil Suhaimi, Iqbal Hussain, Khairul Amri, Shafiq Ghani