The management of the Philippine men’s football team said it expects to have new pieces added to the mix by the time the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers rolls on in March, even as it rues the absence of several players in the ongoing Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Director for senior national teams Freddy Gonzalez sees at least five players becoming available for the continental qualifiers, with names such as Randy Schneider, Josef Baccay and Andre Leipold as among those set to begin the process of securing their Philippine passports.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes to make sure that we increase the quality of the team,” Gonzalez said.

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Brothers Anthony and Nick Markanich, both based in the United States, have also been mentioned multiple times in the past as those being eyed to play for the Philippines.

While the prospects of seeing these players look pleasing on paper, Gonzalez, on the other hand, couldn’t hide his disappointment in missing the likes of Patrick Strauss, Kevin Ray Mendoza, Manny Ott and Jefferson Tabinas.

All four, seen as vital players in the squad in recent friendlies, are suiting up for clubs within the Southeast Asian region, but were not released for the regional competition.

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“It’s really a pity because we don’t have access to a lot of our Asean players, which is really ridiculous,” said Gonzalez. “It’s like this is the Asean Championship, why are they (leagues) scheduling games in December? The AFF (Asean Football Federation) has to do more to make sure that the best Asean players are available.”

Strauss plays for Muangthong United and Tabinas for Buriram United in Thailand’s Thai League 1, while Mendoza suits up for Persib Bandung of Indonesia’s Liga 1. Both leagues did not take a break during the Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Ott is with the Tampines Rovers of the Singapore Premier League, which is not holding games until the end of the tournament. INQ