Defender Ismail Yunos called up by coach Radojko Avramovic into the Lions squad for the first time in September 2004.

Possessing a lanky frame and a composure belying his age, Ismail earned his place in the squad after a series of promising performances for the U-18 and U-21 teams.

He was in the Singapore squad that took out the Tiger Cup in 2005 and the Asean Football Federation Championship two years later.