The UAE are set to play friendlies against Saudi Premier League outfits Al Ahli and Al Nasr on May 21 and 22 as they continue their build-up for the Asian Cup.

The French coach, who led Senegal to the second round of the 2002 World Cup, has selected a number of youngsters in the squad, including Yousuf Jaber, Ahmad Ali Mi'dhad, Ali Khaseef, Haitham Rabie, Ahmad Mohammad Mubarak and Ahmad Khamis.

Abdul Rahim, who is expected to lead the UAE in the Asian Cup after Mohammad Omar's retirement following the Gulf Cup, has praised the coach's choice of players.

"Bringing in fresh blood is always good for the team as it guarantees continuity," Abdul Rahim said. "Some of the players who took part in the Gulf Cup have failed to show their best with their respective clubs in domestic competitions.

"Bruno has said he would judge the players on their performance with the clubs. The young players selected have displayed good standards and deserved to be with the senior team.

"I also expect the coach to select my colleagues in Al Wahda - Mohammad Al Shehhi and Abdullah Al Noobi - if they show their usual form."

The UAE will also meet for a three-week training camp in Malaysia from June 13, when Metsu's side will play warm-up matches against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Indonesia and Malaysia, ahead of the opening Asian Cup Group B game against co-hosts Vietnam on July 8 in Hanoi.

Metsu will be without players from AFC Champions League participants Al Ain and Al Wahda for the first meeting of the national team since the Gulf Cup triumph in January.

But Rahim insists the absence of these players will not impact on UAE's plans.

He said: "It will not affect the team's preparations for the finals because we will have a longer training camp in Malaysia before the tournament.

"Our group is strong and winning a berth in the second round of the championship will be tough, but all my team-mates in the national team are aware of that and are determined to do their best to honour the country.

"Our first match against the hosts, Vietnam on July 8, is the most important encounter because winning it will motivate us to go further into the competition.

"Winning the Gulf Cup gave our players a winning mentality which will help in building self-respect and confidence and they will not feel scared of facing the opponent."

UAE squad for training camp: Ali Khasif, Saleh Obaid, Rashid Abdul Rahman, Saleh Bashir, Ahmad Mubarak (Al Jazira), Majed Naser, Tariq Hasan, Eissa Ali, Khalid Darwish (Al Wasl), Hasan Ali, Faisal Khalil, Mohammad Qasim (Al Ahli), Amir Mubarak, Mohammad Khamis, (Al Nasr), Esmail Rabea, Salim Sa'ad (Al Shabab), Omran Al Jassmy, Saif Mohammad (Al Shaab), Ahmad Ali, Ahmad Khamis (Fujairah), Yousuf Jaber (Bani Yas), Saeed Al Kass (Sharjah), Haitham Rabea (Dubai).