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Kek demands six points from Slovenia

Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek called up three new faces to his squad for the Group C qualifiers at home to Faroe Islands and away to Estonia as he set a minimum target of six points.

Slovenia's Milivoje Novakovič puts in a tackle during September's 1-1 draw in Serbia.
Slovenia's Milivoje Novakovič puts in a tackle during September's 1-1 draw in Serbia. ©Getty Images

Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek called up three new faces to his squad for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers at home to Faroe Islands and away to Estonia as he set a minimum target of six points from the Group C double-header.

The new players are Udinese Calcio goalkeeper Jan Koprivec, KAA Gent defender Matija Škarabot and Newcastle United FC midfielder Haris Vučkič. Kek also welcomes back striker Nejc Pečnik after a long-term injury but there are no places for Aleksander Seliga, Dejan Kelhar and Dare Vršič.

Slovenia opened their campaign with a surprise home defeat by Northern Ireland but responded with a 1-1 draw in Serbia. Kek said it was vital they recovered that early lost ground. "After a draw and a good match in Belgrade, our aim in these two matches is six points," he said. "This would ensure a better position before the decisive matches next year."

Kek's squad gathered on Sunday in Ptuj and will train until Wednesday at Kidričevo Sport Park before heading to the capital, where they will face the Faroes at the new Stozice Stadium. It is their first qualifier in Ljubljana for over six years and Kek said: "When we opened the stadium in August with the friendly against Australia, I said that in addition to Maribor, Slovenia now had another home where we can count on great public support. So I believe that despite the less attractive opposition we can expect real support from fans from the whole of Slovenia."

Slovenia squad
Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovič (Udinese Calcio), Jasmin Handanovič (AC Mantova), Jan Koprivec (Udinese Calcio).

Defenders: Mišo Brečko (1. FC Köln), Marko Šuler (KAA Gent), Matej Mavrič Rožič (Kapfenberger SV), Boštjan Cesar (AC Chievo Verona), Bojan Jokić (AC Chievo Verona), Branko Ilič (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Matija Škarabot (KAA Gent).

Midfielders: Armin Bačinovič (US Città di Palermo), Josip Iličič (US Città di Palermo), Andraž Kirm (Wisła Kraków), Aleksander Radosavljevič (ADO Den Haag), Robert Koren (Hull City AFC), Haris Vučkič (Newcastle United FC), Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre), Dalibor Stevanovič (Vitesse).

Forwards: Nejc Pečnik (CD Nacional), Tim Matavž (FC Groningen), Zlatan Ljubijankič (KAA Gent), Milivoje Novakovič (1. FC Köln), Zlatko Dedič (VfL Bochum 1848).

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