Popescu back in the frame

Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu has added Gheorghe Popescu to his squad to face Greece on Wednesday.

Popescu back
Popescu signed for FC Dinamo Bucuresti last week and made his debut for the club at the weekend, leading to his call-up today. "Popescu played very well for his team even if he didn't train hard," Iordanescu said. "I decided to call him for the match against Greece."

Ilie return must wait
However Adrian Ilie and Alin Stoica, who are yet to find new clubs, have not yet returned to the international fold. "I'm waiting for Ilie to find a club, because I need him in the EURO 2004™ qualifiers," Iordanescu said.

Niculae still in
The Romania coach has also kept Marius Niculae in the squad despite the wishes of his club Sporting Clube de Portugal, who feel that his heavy schedule should have seen him rested. "I'm not interested in what Sporting say," Iordanescu said. "I want Niculae in the national team."

Dolha out
Meanwhile, an injury to goalkeeper Emilian Dolha has resulted in Iordanescu bringing FC National Bucuresti goalkeeper Bogdan Vintila into his squad.

Revised Romania squad
Stelea, Vintila, Contra, Iencsi, Popescu, Miu, Chivu, Florea, Ghioane, Cernat, Codrea, Galca, Soava, Petre, Munteanu, Mutu, Moldovan, Viorel Ganea, Pancu, Niculae