Mohammedan forward Arif Hossain, defender Zahid Hasan Shanto and goalkeeper Shakib Al Hasan have kept their eyes on the final squad after being called up to the 38-member preliminary squad for the first time ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Coach Javier Cabrera on Sunday named six new faces -- England-based Hamza Chowdhury, Italy-based Fahamedul Islam, Al Amin of Bangladesh Police and the three aforementioned players from Mohammedan.

Among them, the Mohammedan trio is upbeat about securing their places in the final squad and realise a childhood dream.

"Getting a call to the national team is of course very pleasing and the pleasure will be double if I can enter the final 23-member squad," forward Arif Hossain told The Daily Star yesterday.

"I expected a call last year because I was playing really well. But I could not make it to the squad. Since then I was determined to make the cut with more effort and finally got into the squad," said 24-year-old Arif, who has been playing for Mohammedan for the last three seasons after having featured for Sheikh Russel and Uttar Baridhara Club in top-flight football.

Shanto and Shakil are, however, surprised to get the national call so early.

"I did not expect to get a call this time. I have been dreaming to play for the national team since I have represented Bangladesh in U-20 and U-23 teams before, but I was a bit surprised after getting called up to the preliminary squad," Shanto told The Daily Star.

"I know the experienced players will get priority but I will give my best in training to get into the final squad," said the 21-year-old lad from Cumilla.

Meanwhile Shakib, who has performed admirably in goal for Mohammedan as an understudy to Sujon Hossain, said he was not satisfied with his own performance.

"I never thought to be part of the preliminary squad because I am not satisfied with my performances. I will be satisfied when I play regularly in the playing eleven," Shakib said, adding that he is adamant to fight against the four experienced goalkeepers to get into the final squad.