Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud admits that he's not matching his Japan-defying feats of last year, but is determined to win a starting spot at November's 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup.
Izwan, who saved a penalty in Tampines Rovers' 2-1 semifinal victory over Ceres La Salle in the Singapore Cup on Sunday night, is engaged in an intriguing battle with Thailand-based Hassan Sunny for the keeper's jersey in the national team.
Both have been given their chances over the past 12 months under coach V. Sundramoorthy and previous boss Bernd Stange.
Izwan generated regional interest when he produced a heroic performance, making 18 saves to help Singapore secure a 0-0 draw away to Japan in a World Cup qualifier in Saitama in June 2015.
He was similarly inspired as LionsXII lifted the Malaysia FA Cup earlier that year and earned a trial with Japanese club Matsumoto Yamaga last December.
But the 26-year-old concedes that his form has dipped this year, with his momentum affected by a wrist injury suffered in May.
"My form still isn't at the peak like last year, so I just slowly picking up myself," Izwan told ESPN FC. "I'm just trying to concentrate on one game at a time."
Izwan credits his Tampines teammate Shakir Hamzah for helping him save the second-half spot kick that preserved Tampines' 2-1 lead against dangerous Philippine outfit Ceres.
"I have to give thanks to my centre-back Shakir because he told me he would shoot the same place as the last time... I think it was the AFC game." he said. "He said to go to my left, so I went there and it was the same as last time."
With Albirex Niigata (S) holding a four-point lead over Tampines at the top of the S.League table, Izwan says that keeping clean sheets will be crucial for the Stags' hopes of bridging the gap -- and for his chances of impressing national boss Sundram.
Having coached Izwan at Tampines earlier this season and at LionsXII, the former winger is well aware of the qualities of the ex-Young Lions' star. But he has a similar admiration for Hassan, who's a regular starter with Army United in the Premier League of Thailand.
"It's a friendly battle between us... we must do our country proud," Izwan said. "Whoever gets the [starting] jersey, we must support each other. We are playing or our country and we've got to win the Suzuki Cup. Hopefully, we will peak at the right moment."
Izwan was in the successful 2012 Suzuki Cup team, while 32-year-old Hassan picked up AFF winners' medals at the 2004 and 2007 tournaments.
Singapore, who will be based in Philippines for the 2016 edition, are in the tougher Group A, alongside the co-hosts, defending champions, Thailand, and unpredictable Indonesia.