Former national defender Tran Cong Minh has been called to assist national manager Toshyia Miura for the upcoming events.

Minh, who retired nearly one year after his unsuccessful season with Dong Thap in 2012-13, decided to return to train U23 players for the Asian Football Championship qualifier.

"Football is my life's passion. Despite my retirement, I still lived with the sport. I had worked three years with the Olympics team in the past, and I think that national duty is an honour. So I am back," Minh said.

He and the whole team will meet in Ha Noi on February 24.

They will have five matches to test their skills, before they go to Malaysia for the continental competition from March 23 to 31. 

VNS