Malaysia national team coach Dollah Salleh wants his players to focus on their lead up to the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup where they will play co-host nation Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar in Group B starting from Nov. 23.
The Harimau Malaya will be seeking to win their second ever ASEAN title after tasting victory for the first time in 2010 under K. Rajagobal. Dollah wants his players to avoid getting distracted by possible club transfers and personal issues.
As reported on the New Straits Times, the former Pahang legend said: "I want my players to focus on the competition. We have been given a target to achieve and we must do it.
"When the players reported today, I reminded them that as professionals, they need to act in a certain manner. They are not kids so I do not have to watch them closely."
Most of the preliminary 35-man squad attended training on Monday but the players involved in Saturday's Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) and Pahang FA were excused.
Two other squad members who failed to report for training at the Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya for personal reasons were Kelantan FA's Badhri Radzi and Kedah FA's Farhan Rosla.
"Those with Pahang and Darul Ta'zim will report after the Malaysia Cup final. We will leave for Johor Baru on Nov 3 for a seven-day training stint before we face Syria in a friendly on Nov. 11.
"I may have a friendly with a club side during the stint in Johor Baru but it is not confirmed yet. I don't mind playing a Singapore club," said Dollah.
The 2013 Malaysia Cup winning coach was also quick to address the chances of Pahang winger, R. Gopinathan who is on the standby list.
"He was excellent in the 5-0 semi-final return leg win over Kedah. I am having a headache as I actually want to call-up more players but I can't due to limited preparation time for the AFF Cup." added Dollah. "I will discuss with the other coaches before deciding on Gopinathan. I will finalise the 22-member squad for the AFF Cup after the friendly with Vietnam in Hanoi on Nov 16,"
Malaysia's 35-man training squad
Goalkeepers: Farizal Marlias (Selangor FA), Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan FA), Khairul Azhan Khalid (Pahang FA);
Defenders: Fadhli Shas, Aidil Zafuan Radzak (JDT), Azmi Muslim, Bunyamin Umar (Selangor FA), Shukor Adan (Felda United), Muslim Ahmad, Afif Amiruddin (PDRM FC), Zubir Azmi (Terengganu FA);
Midfielders: S. Kunanlan (Selangor FA), Badhri Radzi, Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria (Kelantan FA), Safiq Rahim (JDT), Azamuddin Akil, Hafiz Kamal (Pahang FA), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Felda United), Gary Steven Robbat, Baddrol Baktiar (Kedah FA);
Strikers: Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Amri Yahyah, Safee Sali (JDT), Farhan Roslan (Kedah FA), Manaf Mamat (Terengganu).