Philippine Football Team coach Aris Caslib is still hoping for a change of heart from top striker Philip Younghusband.

Doubts over his future with London-based squad Chelsea have compelled the 19-year-old Younghusband to skip the eight-nation biennial tournament and, instead, concentrate on his football career in England. "Phil scored six goals in qualifying and that speaks a lot of his quality as a player," Caslib said, referring to Younghusband, the top scorer in the Asean Qualifiers in Bacolod, whose contract with Chelsea ends in May.

Despite Younghusband's impending absence, Caslib remained upbeat over the nationals' chances in the Asean Championships that starts Jan. 12 when the Philippines battles Malaysia at the Supchalasai Stadium in Bangkok.

Three-time winners Thailand play the Filipinos on Jan. 14, before Myanmar tests the RP XI two days later at the Army Stadium.

The return of former national players Alvin Valeroso --- who scored two goals in last year's Asian Challenge Cup in Bangkok --- and fleet-footed Arnie Pasinabo, a natural striker who can also play right wing, have given Caslib reason to be optimistic.

Former La Salle goalkeeper Archie Bayquin is also fighting for a spot in the team.

The national coach said the core of the 18 players who helped the Philippines advance are also set to return for another call of duty.

Among them are midfielders James Younghusband and Chris Greatwich, who will join the team only in Bangkok because he is currently trying out with professional clubs in England. Ali Rojas-Go is also part of the team.

The Filipino booters leave for Singapore on Jan. 5 to play three tune-up matches against Singapore Olympic and Asean Championship-bound squads, before flying to Thailand on Jan. 9.

Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez yesterday said he has yet to receive word from the Asean Football Federation on the status of the Bangkok leg of the tournament, following the spate of bombing incident that happened shortly before New Year's Eve at the Thai capital. *CPT

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