Liechtenstein gamble on Ritter

Liechtenstein coach Ralf Loose has named Christof Ritter in his 18-man squad to face Turkey on 16 October despite fitness doubts.

Tougher test
The coach is concerned that Ritter may not be sufficiently recovered from injury in time for the game, which will be Liechtenstein's second in EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 7. Last month, they drew 1-1 with F.Y.R. Macedonia, but Loose believes an away match in Turkey would be a much tougher test.

Final strategy
"Our chances are very slim," he said. "We will watch Turkey in Skopje [against Macedonia on Saturday] and then decide our final strategy. The most important thing will be to try to control the Turkish stars as much as possible."

All change
Loose has left out Marco Nigg and Mario Wolfinger from his squad for the match at the Ali Sami Yeni stadium in Istanbul but has called upon Harry Zech, Thomas Nigg and the 18-year-old Remo Eberle.

Liechtenstein squad
Heeb, Jehle, Gigon, Hasler, Ospelt, Ritter, Stocklasa, Zech, M Beck, T Beck, Gerster, T Nigg, Stocklasa, Telser, Büchel, Burgmeier, D'Elia, Frick.