Striker Pipob in line for a surprise Thailand callup

Chon Buri FC forward Pipob On-mo

Thailand's football team coach Winfried Schaefer says he is keen on recalling Chonburi FC forward Pipob Onmo for the Asean Championship, which kicks off this weekend.

Co-hosting the biennial tournament with Malaysia, three-time winners Thailand will open their Group A campaign against the Philippines at Rajamangala National stadium on Saturday.

After his side's 5-0 thrashing of Bangladesh in the latest warmup game on Saturday, the German trainer gave the players a day off before summoning them to the team's hotel yesterday evening.

Schaefer warned players that any doubts about their fitness would mean they faced being axed from his final 22-man list.

"We now have 27 players, and each of them has enough ability to be in the final 22man squad. Unfortunately, five of them will miss out on a place in the team.

"The physical condition of a player is a very important matter that we need to check carefully. "We won't risk including anyone who is not fit in the squad," said the German.

Schaefer has already dropped six players from his preliminary roster, which leaves him with Muang Thong's Teerasil Dangda, who grabbed a hattrick against Bangladesh, as the only accomplished striker.

That prompted speculation that the 62yearold Schaefer would recall Chonburi captain Pipob, who initially withdrew from the team due to an injury. And the coach did not rule out the possibility of the experienced forward featuring in the team.

"He [Pipob] may get a recall. We'll make the final decision three days before the start of the tournament," said the veteran trainer, whose side will also face Vietnam and Myanmar in the group stages of the Championship.

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Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/20/striker-pipob-in-line-for-a-surprise-thailand-callup/