Nguyen Thai Sung has been named in Viet Nam's 26-man squad in preparation for the AFF U19 Football Championships.

Da Nang-born Sung was the first Vietnamese player to receive a three-year scholarship at the Aspire Academy in Qatar.

According to coach Mai Duc Chung, 18-year-old Sung is strong in central defence and at fullback.

The team will convene today at Ham Rong Sports Centre in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

Iran will take the post left vacant by Thailand for the event slated for September 2-8.

Alongside Iran will be hosts Viet Nam, Uzbekistan and Australia, which will make the tournament this year nothing short of being ultra-competitive.

All matches will be played at the Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City.

Viet Nam will meet Iran on September 2, Australia on September 4 and Uzbekistan two days later.-VNS