New LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad has gone for a blend of youth and experience to defend the Malaysian Super League (MSL) title.

The 51-year-old named a 24-man squad, which includes senior internationals such as Isa Halim, Safuwan Baharudin and Khairul Amri while promoting six youngsters from the Courts Young Lions, which is essentially the national Under-21 team.

They are goalkeeper Abdul Qadir, defenders Afiq Yunos, Raihan Rahman and Emmeric Ong and midfielders Ignatius Ang and Samuel Benjamin.

Fandi said: "I am pleased to have a strong squad that is a combination of experience and youthful energy.

"A number of these players participated in international friendly matches and tournaments, and now at the SEA Games and they will certainly add a lot of invaluable experience and resilience to the squad."

The LionsXII will begin their MSL campaign with a match against Malaysia Cup champions Pahang in Kuantan on Jan 17.