Old faces return for Romania

Ianis Zicu and Ştefan Radu have both returned to the Romania squad following long absences after coach Razvan Lucescu announced his 23-man selection for Saturday's UEFA EURO 2012 Group D qualifier away against France.

Attacking midfielder Zicu last appeared for the national team in 2007, but his recall is based on an excellent start to this season – four goals in eight matches – following a summer move to FC Timişoara from FC Dinamo Bucureşti.

S.S. Lazio defender Radu has also impressed domestically and could feature for the first time since September 2008, while FC Steaua Bucureşti midfielder Iulian Apostol receives a first call-up this year, 11 months after his last start for Romania.

Lucescu's charges kicked off their bid for a place at the finals in Poland and Ukraine with a pair of draws, being held 1-1 at home by Albania before recording a goalless stalemate in Belarus.

Romania squad
Goalkeepers: Costel Pantilimon (FC Timişoara), Bogdan Lobonţ (AS Roma), Ciprian Tătăruşanu (FC Steaua Bucureşti).

Defenders: Cristian Săpunaru (FC Porto), Marius Constantin (FC Rapid Bucureşti), Vasile Maftei (FC Unirea Urziceni), Gabriel Tamaş (West Bromwich Albion FC), Cristian Chivu (FC Internazionale Milano), Ştefan Radu (S.S. Lazio), Răzvan Raţ (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Mihai Neşu (FC Utrecht).

Midfielders: Mihai Roman (FC Rapid Bucureşti), Ianis Zicu (FC Timişoara), Răzvan Cociş (Al-Nassr FC), Costin Lazăr (FC Rapid Bucureşti), Iulian Apostol (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Mirel Rădoi (Al-Hilal Saudi FC), George Florescu (FC Alania Vladikavkaz), Ciprian Deac (FC Schalke 04).

Forwards: Bogdan Stancu (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Daniel Niculae (AS Monaco FC), Ciprian Marica (VfB Stuttgart), Marius Bilaşco (FC Steaua Bucureşti).