Striker Lee Wai-lim earned his first call-up when the Hong Kong Football Association named a 25-man squad to prepare for next year's Asian Cup qualifiers yesterday.

Joining the Tai Po player in his first squad were four mainlanders - South China skipper Li Haiqiang, Gao Wen of Kitchee, Chao Pengfei of Happy Valley and Xu Deshuai of Citizen - who have all recently satisfied a two-year residency requirement. 'I'm very happy to be selected at such an age,' said the 27-year-old Lee, who has scored two goals this season. 'We have performed very well as a team so far this season and that's why I caught the selectors' eye. I must thank my teammates for providing me with a lot of scoring opportunities up front.'

Another notable selection was centre half Ng Wai-chiu who plays for China Super League (CSL) side Shanghai Shenhua. 'The CSL will finish next month and Ng will be available,' said an HKFA spokesman.