Sundram rings changes for Jordan qualifier

The Lions open their qualification campaign with a tough test in Amman against a side that are currently Asia's 8th-best team, and 59 spots above them, in the FIFA world rankings.

Given the physical challenge Jordan are expected to pose, Sundramoorthy, who has been temporarily handed the reins as the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) continue their search for the full-time successor to former boss Radojko Avramovic, has given the nod to a number of seasoned veterans.

With Tampines Rovers anchorman Mustafic Fahrudin out with a groin problem, 32-year-old Noh, who joined Home United from rivals Warriors FC in the off-season, could slot straight into midfield alongside Isa Halim, especially with Hariss Harun also missing through injury.

Juma'at, who missed last year's AFF Suzuki Cup triumph, will also get the chance to reclaim the right-back spot, while fellow Protectors Ismail Yunos and Firdaus Idros have gotten the nod as well.

Warriors goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who missed the majority of last due to a serious knee injury, is also back in the international fold, although he, along with Joey Sim, is likely to provide cover to Izwan Mahbud, who has established himself as the Lions' first-choice custodian over the past 12 months.

Hassan's team-mates at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Sufian Anuar and Erwan Gunawan, have been given the opportunity to shine under Sundramoorthy after falling out of favour with Avramovic, and will offer the Lions boss a variety of options in attack.

A total of nine players from Malaysia Super League outfit LIONSXII, including captain Shahril Ishak, centre-back Baihakki Khaizan and striker Fazrul Nawaz have been called up, while five Home men were named in the 23-man squad.

Warriors and Tampines are providing four players a piece, while Sim, who recently moved from Balestier Khalsa to Geylang International, is the only member of the team not from these four clubs.

Shi Jiayi and Qiu Li, regulars under Avramovic, have both been dropped, while 42-year-old striker Aleksandar Duric is no longer available for selection after retiring from international football following last December's Suzuki Cup triumph.

Nonetheless, Sundramoorthy believes there is a good blend of experience and youth in the side that will serve them well as they look to make the Asian Cup for only the second time in their history, with their only appearance so far coming in 1984 when they were hosts.

"We have several young players who may be playing in the Asian Cup qualifiers for the first time, but I believe they have shown their potential and have also matured over the past few months," he said.

"I look forward to the senior players, including those who were part of the AFF Suzuki Cup-winning team, to play a key role in guiding the younger ones during the competition.

"I am confident that the players will give their all for the Asian Cup qualifiers."

Singapore will warm up for the game against Jordan with a friendly against Bahrain on Thursday.

Singapore squad for 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Jordan

Goalkeepers: Izwan Mahbud (LIONSXII), Hassan Sunny (Warriors FC), Joey Sim (Geylang International)

Defenders: Noh Rahman, Ismail Yunos, Juma'at Jantan (all Home United), Baihakki Khaizan, Safuwan Baharudin, Irwan Shah, Shakir Hamzah (all LIONSXII), Daniel Bennett (Warriors FC), Shaiful Esah (Tampines Rovers)

Midfielders: Zulfahmi Arifin, Isa Halim (both LIONSXII), Hafiz Rahim, Firdaus Idros (both Home United), Firdaus Kasman, Shahdan Sulaiman (both Tampines Rovers)

Forwards: Shahril Ishak, Fazrul Nawaz (both LIONSXII), Khairul Amri (Tampines Rovers), Erwan Gunawan, Sufian Anuar (both Warriors FC)