Singapore defender Daniel Bennett believes toppling Thailand is a must if they are to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup.

Ian Griffiths from Singapore

Radojko Avramovic's side go into Saturday's game at the island republic's Kallang National Stadium occupying second spot in Group E, one point behind leaders Iran, ahead of Thailand by the same margin and with a two point gap between themselves and bottom-placed Jordan.

As the race to Qatar 2011 reaches its halfway stage, and with the second half of this particular ASEAN double header to come in Bangkok next Wednesday, it is little wonder that Bennett believes getting something from the two games against Thailand is vital.

"I have played for the national team for a number of years now and we have never really had as good a chance as this to qualify for the Asian Cup," declared the Singapore Armed Forces defender.

"We don't have much chance at all for the World Cup so this is the biggest stage that perhaps Singapore can make it to, we have to accept that.

"These two games are absolutely crucial and all the boys are focussed on going for this.

"Confidence is always good and Raddy (Avramovic) always makes us feel positive and we always go out to try and win games. All the boys are positive and we believe that we can go and get a result against them.

"I think qualifying for the Asian Cup would show Singaporeans that we really are on the right track and that we are definitely worth supporting.

For Bennett, who made his official international debut for Singapore after obtaining citizenship in 2002, the Thailand games represent another major landmark in a career that has seen him play at the highest level on both the domestic and international stages.

"I am looking forward to it," the former Wrexham and Woodlands Wellington star revealed.

"The Thais are always a difficult team to play against. I have probably played them three or four times for the national team and it is always a tough game and there is always a lot of big rivalry between the two countries.

"These are big games in that context but also regarding the group it is going to be very important because whoever manages to take the points have a good chance to qualify."