London
Youngster Ekanit Panya could not hide his joy to be called up to Thailand national team to attend FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
FAT has announced the preliminary 33-member list to join training camp under new head coach Akira Nishino to prepare for the second qualification.
‘Changsuek’ is set to take on Vietnam in the opening match on Sept 5 before travelling to Indonesia on Sept 10.
Chiang Rai United midfielder Ekanit is glad to be named among the 33-man list after getting called to the training camp of the national team for the first time in his football career.
"I knew that FAT officials and staff coaches were observing me and that put me under a lot of pressure," said the 19-year-old star.
"Despite all those reports and rumours, I never expected to be shortlisted among the probables.
"It is all too quick for me. Everything in my career has so far followed the established pattern.
"I joined the academy at Chiang Rai and it helped me develop my skills. I started from Thai League 3, playing for Chiang Rai City. I then moved up to the second tier and the top flight with Chiang Rai United. It has always been one step at a time for me."
He added that he would do his best to learn as much as possible from the training camp.
"This is a great opportunity for me and I will try to learn from the senior players in the national team," said Ekanit.
"I don't know if I will make the 23-man final line-up but I am just happy to get this opportunity to train with the best players in the country.
"Phi Jay [Japan-based Thai star Chanathip Songkrasin] is one of my idols and I want to be like him.
"This will be my first time to train with him. I will try to learn as much from him as possible."
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