Schaefer hands fringe players opportunity against Norway

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer is set to ring the changes against Norway for the second King's Cup match, at Rajamangala National stadium today.

The hosts made a losing start to their campaign in the four-nation tournament with a 3-1 loss to South Korea's under-23 team, while Norway held defending champions Denmark to a 1-1 draw in the other match.

The German trainer, who turned 62 last week, believes a Norway side comprising players from their domestic league would prove no less challenging a test than Hong Myung-bo's team, which handed Thailand a lesson with a slick passing game on Sunday.

"Of course, we have to be careful with their long-ball [game]. Even though the Norway players are not as fast as the Koreans, which will allow us to defend more easily, they are really strong, physically.

"So we need to rely on our short passing and try to attack from the flanks. We must give them very little room while defending. Our defenders need to close them down very quickly," said the veteran German coach, who succeeded former England captain Bryan Robson as national team manager in July.

Schaefer said he would use the Norway fixture to give a chance to fringe players before he picks his squad for the decisive World Cup qualifier in Oman next month.

"We will play the same formation as in the first match. But Jetsada [Jitsawad] will partner with Chonlatit [Jantakam] in central defence. In the holding midfield role, I will use Pichitphong [Choeichiew] and Jakkaphan [Kaewprom]. Up front, if Teerasil [Dangda] can't play, Kirati [Kiewsombat] will get a start."

The build-up to the game was overshadowed by news that Somphong Sorlap faces a charge of drunk driving after being involved in an accident barely 24 hours after he was axed from the team due to poor fitness. Schaefer confirmed the Buriram FC forward would have no future with team while he was still in charge.

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