Lions wait on Hariss and Safuwan

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While still awaiting the green light for Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin to be released from their National Service (NS) commitments to join the Lions' charge into the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Radojko Avramovic has called up two additional players in his 25-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Thailand on August 24.

The Lions will travel to Bangkok for a warm-up fixture before their opening game in Group A away to China on September 2, with Geylang United central defender Sevki Sha'ban, 27, and 27-year-old midfielder Hafiz Rahim in the mix.

While Sevki has featured for the Lions before, this is the first time Hafiz has been included in a national squad.

Midfielder Hariss and central defender Safuwan, who both turned in outstanding performances in the 6-4 aggregate win over Malaysia in the second round of qualifiers, are still on the roster pending news from the authorities.

Central defender Sevki has been a rock at the heart of the Geylang defence since his return to action in June after two injuries to his left knee saw him endure a torrid 18 months on the sidelines.

Hafiz, who can operate as a wide player or as a striker, has been equally impressive for the Eagles.

Speaking to TODAY, Sevki said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard of my call up. It's great to get recognition for my recent performances."

Suffering his first injury in December 2009, Sevki's return to football in a friendly against Albirex Niigata in August last year ended with him suffering the same injury. He had to endure a repeat of the rehabilitation process and eventually made his return on June 20 when he came on as a substitute against Hougang United in an S-League match.

The return of Sevki has coincided with an upturn in Geylang's fortunes, with the Eagles winning six of their last eight games.

"I feel physically ready and mentally prepared to return to international football. Being out for so long has been a test of my mental strength, and for now I just want to do well for my club, and be in the squad for every Singapore game," he said. "I will take my chance if I'm picked to play."

Sevki and Hafiz are the only two players from Geylang in Avramovic's squad.

Geylang coach Mike Wong was full of praise for his charges.

He said: "Sevki has brought stability to our back four with his reading of the game, while Hafiz has been one of our most consistent performers over the last few years.

"I'm happy for the both of them."

Sevki felt it was just a question of when, team-mate Hafiz would force his way into Avramovic's squad.

"Hafiz deserves the call-up. He's been superb this year for Geylang, and on that kind of form, it was just a matter of time before he earned his place," said Sevki. The squad will kick off training this Friday.