Striker Mark Hartmann is hoping to see the Philippines advance to the semifinals of the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup, along with Singapore, where he plays his club football for S.League side Geylang International.
The English-born forward has been a revelation since joining Geylang in June, scoring five goals in six starts. He is keeping his fingers crossed that the call will come from Azkals' coach Thomas Dooley for the showpiece event.
In the draw held on Tuesday night in Yangon, co-hosts Philippines were drawn in Group A. They will go up against defending champions Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Group B houses Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam and the winners of October's AFF qualifiers.
"There is no doubt that this is a very tough group'," Hartmann told ESPN FC. "But for the Azkals to win our first ASEAN title, we need to beat the best to be the best, so I won't say it's a bad draw for us.
"Now that I play my club football with Geylang in the S.League, I'm definitely rooting for us [Philippines] to go through to the next stage together with Singapore."
The Azkals have made the final four in the last three editions of the tournament, dating back to 2010. Standing in their path in 2016 will be Kiatisuk Senamuang's all-conquering Thailand, who will be looking to win a record fifth crown, like Singapore.
"The Thais were the best team out there in the last tournament. Their style and tempo makes them clear favourites," the 25-year-old said.
"In their camp, they have the 2014 MVP in Chanathip [Songkrasin] and that guy is dangerous whenever he gets the ball. They also have some good midfielders who know how to dictate the flow of the game, so it is up to the other countries to try and match them."
Despite Thailand standing tall as hot favourites to retain the coveted trophy, Hartmann is confident that both Philippines and Singapore have enough quality players to give the War Elephants a run for their money.
Hartmann, who has seven goals in 18 appearances for the Azkals, said: "I still think it's possible [for Philippines and Singapore] to win the Cup. I've seen some great players in my short time in the S.League.
"Just here at Geylang, they have Gabriel [Quak], Sahil [Suhaimi] and many good players who can all be the difference on the pitch for Singapore. And I haven't even mentioned the rest of the national team players at the other S.League clubs.
"But for Philippines, we have a different approach. I don't think we can count on one or two star players to carry us through the tournament. To win it, we need to play as a unit and get the job done."
Having finally recovered from his anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the first half of the year, Hartmann is hoping his good form in Singapore will earn him a spot in the Azkals' Suzuki Cup squad..
"I'll love to get the chance to don the Philippines jersey again," he said. "What's more, this Suzuki Cup is held on our own turf in Manila. And knowing the fans, they will be out in full force and to be part of the team that could potentially win it, it'll be a fantastic way to end the year."
The injured Hartmann didn't feature in Philippines' last competitive international which was a 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory over North Korea in March. But, he and other experienced hands, like Phil Younghusband and Stephan Schrock, could be included in Dooley's squad.
Should Hartmann be called up, his first Group A game will be the blockbuster clash with four time champions Singapore at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue on Nov. 19.