PETALING JAYA, Jan 1 — With all the attention for 2014 centred around foreign players, Johor FA coach Azmi Mohamed has thrown a challenge to his local players.

The 52-year-old insisted foreign players are only there to guide the home grown talent.

The Premier League side have snapped up Singapore skipper Shahril Ishak, Argentinean Nicholas Delmonte, Spaniards Juan Manuel Carrasco and Braulio Nobrega but Azmi sees them as an accessories.

Shahril, who captained Singaporean development side LionsXII to top flight Super League title last year, has been given the armband.

Azmi also conceded that earning promotion to the Super League would be a bonus.

"The local players must be ready to lead the team to glory. They must be able to carry the team's challenge on their own. The imports are to complement and guide then when necessary," said Azmi.

"I keep telling the locals to never forget the purpose of the M-League. Who is this league for?

"We will give our best but qualifying for the Super League would be a bonus. I am expecting a top four finish.

"Everyone knows we have many young players along with several experienced ones to give balance. Yet, it will not be easy as the players need to be focussed and be mentally strong at all times."

However, Azmi insisted the second tier side would not be easy meat and tipped Police, Felda United and Negri Sembilan to be among the contenders for the Premier League title.

The southern side have played five pre-season friendlies so far, recording a scoreless draw against Harimau Muda, drew 1-1 with Malacca, won 4-1 against Singaporean side Hougang United, winning 2-1 against Armed Forces and defeated Harimau Muda B 4-1 on Monday.

They host Pos Malaysia (Jan 8), S-League side Geylang International (Jan 11) and Malacca (Jan 15) before the start of the season on Jan 24.

"The preseason results have been satisfying but a lot more work needs to be done, especially the fitness of the players and defence.

"I hope the next three matches will help improve the fitness levels and teamwork. I have to keep working on them to produce players for Johor Darul Takzim (JDT)," said Azmi.