Singapore are the second most successful nation in the history of the AFF Suzuki Cup, having won four titles over the previous 11 editions, but after a couple of down years in both 2014 and 2016 there’s less external expectation on the Lions heading into the upcoming finals.

That’s not to say that there isn’t a fierce determination within the playing group to ensure that they return the side to where they feel they rightly belong and that’s at the top of the Southeast Asian pile.

One man who could well have a crucial role in meeting those objectives is goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.

The 28-year-old is set to feature at his fourth AFF Suzuki Cup and we caught up with the Thai-based keeper to talk about the team’s ongoing training camp, expectations, underdog tags and a potential MVP award.

You’ve been preparing at a training camp in Osaka for more than a week, can you tell us about that experience?

“It’s a kind of training centre where we are based and you can see that day by day we’re getting stronger.

“There’s a real sense of teamwork in the squad and I can say that the boys are giving 100% in every training session.”

What are Singapore’s expectations for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup?

“Of course after the last two editions firstly we want to make sure that we get out of the group stage and go to the semifinals and then we can say from there we are trying to win the AFF Suzuki Cup.

“It’s important though that we don’t look too far ahead and just take things one step at a time and make sure we concentrate on every match and it’s also important that we make a good start.”

That opening match against Indonesia could well determine which nation eventually qualifies – how much pressure will there be right from the start, hosting a strong nation like that?

“Of course Indonesia are a big team, a big footballing country with a lot of talent but I think the advantage for us is that we are playing at home first.

“Every team will feel that pressure as well but we know it will be a crucial match so we have to make sure that we’re prepared to handle that pressure.”

You’re in a tough group where many people consider Singapore to be the underdogs: is that a fair label in your opinion?

“After the last two editions it’s fair if they want to call us underdogs and I don’t mind any label but we know that as a team we can do better and in this recent training camp everyone is giving 100% and you can see that there’s a real camaraderie amongst the squad where everyone wants to win and we’re all looking forward to this AFF Suzuki Cup.”

The MVP award has been a little unusual in that it’s twice been won by a goalkeeper, one being your countryman Lionel Lewis – I imagine you’d love to become the third keeper on that list, no?

“Every player wants individual awards but for me it’s all about the team so I’m not even thinking about the MVP award.

“If it comes, it comes but all I’m focusing on for now is making sure that we progress from the group stage, go to the semifinals and then win the cup.