Seasoned campaigner Shahril Saabah hopes the young legs in the national squad will rise and help Malaysia break into the world's top 10 soon.
Malaysia are ranked second in Asia at World No 11, behind World No 4 India. Reigning Asian Games champions Japan are ranked 15th in the world, followed by South Korea (16th), Pakistan (17th) and Bangladesh (38th).
Malaysia will go up against these teams in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), which was postponed from November last year to March 11-19 in Dhaka, Bangladesh due to Covid-19.
World No 25 China are not competing in the ACT.
"It was tough last year as tournaments were postponed. After a brief field training programme at the end of last year, we are now doing it online again," said Shahril.
Shahril, who made his name at the 2013 Sultan of Johor Cup, said: "The national squad have many juniors, and they were impressive during field training and practice matches last year.
"I believe they have the talent to help the nation in its aspiration to break into the world's top 10 soon," said Shahril, who has 120 caps.
Among the newcomers in Arul Selvaraj's national squad are goalkeeper Shafie Sahrom, defender Zulpidaus Mizun, midfielder Pavandip Singh and forward Nur Rahul Hrisikesa.
"We need to focus on this goal once the fields are reopened for tournaments," added Shahril.
Apart from the men's ACT, which offers ranking points, Malaysia will play in the Asia Cup, which offers four World Cup berths.
Going by their form and ranking, they should easily qualify for the men's 2024 World Cup with hosts India, South Korea and Japan through the Asia Cup.
If they achieve their goals, it will put them in a good position of breaking into the world's top 10.