SINGAPORE - Veteran defender Daniel Bennett has not donned a Singapore jersey since February 2013 when he turned out for the Lions against Jordan in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Amman.

And there were certainly a number of raised eyebrows last Friday when national football coach V Sundramoorthy named the 38-year-old in his 25-man squad for the Lions’ training tour to Japan later this month.

Cast into international wilderness for three years by former national coach Bernd Stange, the call-up came as much as a surprise to the Geylang International member, who has played 124 international games for Singapore.

While his inclusion was likely due to the unavailability of first-choice centre-back Baihakki Khaizan, who was left out of the squad due to his club commitments with Malaysian outfit Johor Darul Takzim II, Bennett was still delighted to be back in the international fray after a long hiatus.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I got called up by the national team after three long years,” Bennett told TODAY. “Even when I was out of national team action, I always felt as though I could (still) contribute in one way or another and I never thought about retiring. I am simply thrilled to be involved again.”

“This feels just like my first call-up back in 2002 and I am looking forward to the opportunity.”

The veteran defender has been a stalwart in Geylang’s defence this season, putting in a series of impressive performances on the pitch. He may be the oldest in the Eagles squad, but the English-born player believes he is just as fit as he was in his 20s.

“I have been really enjoying my football of late,” said the three-time Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup winner. “It’s all about being passionate because I would not want to step onto the field having doubts whether I can give my best. It’s something I pride myself on.

“All around the world more and more players are beginning to play into their late 30s, so it isn’t something to be surprised about. In fact, right now I feel young and in better shape than I was in other times in my career.”

Geylang head coach Hasrin Jailani believes that Bennett is just as capable as the younger players in his side.

“For a 38-year-old, Daniel has been playing really well and is one of the standout players in my defence,” said the former Singapore international. “There is definitely something left in his locker and he proves that nothing is impossible.”

With the year-end AFF Suzuki Cup approaching, the competition for places is heating up. While Bennett would love to be part of Singapore’s squad, he added: “It’s always an honour to represent the national team but, for now, I am just focused on the training tour that is coming up. Whatever happens in the future is all up to coach Sundram.”

When contacted by TODAY, Sundram said a national team call-up is always open to anyone deserving of it.

“The door to the national team is open to any eligible player who consistently performs well for their club,” said the 50-year-old. “Daniel, as well as the other 24 players in the squad, have done well this season and deserved this call-up.

“This training camp will give all 25 players the chance to impress me and my team, but I reiterate that the door remains open to those who have not been called up.”