Bilić keeps faith with Croatia regulars

Croatia coach Slaven Bilić has made no surprise inclusions in his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Israel in Zagreb on 13 October.

Kovač travels
Captain Niko Kovač is included in the 23-man selection despite expecting to be out of action for four to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg. "Kovač will remain on the list as he will come and give support to his team-mates," said Bilić. "It's well known what he means to us, but our goal remains the same - it's victory. Israel don't lose too many games. They lost against England because they played pretty badly. This would be their crucial match and they have to win if they want to stay in the running." Croatia lead Group E with 23 points from nine games with Israel six points adrift in fourth spot.

Croatia squad
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (FC Spartak Moskva), Vedran Runje (RC Lens), Mario Galinović (Panathinaikos FC).

Defenders: Dario Šimić (AC Milan), Robert Kovač (BV Borussia Dortmund), Josip Šimunić (Hertha BSC Berlin), Vedran Ćorluka (Manchester City FC), Dino Drpić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Dario Kenežević (AS Livorno Calcio).

Midfielders: Jerko Leko (AS Monaco FC), Marko Babić (Real Betis Balompié), Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Luka Modrić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranješ (Werder Bremen), Danijel Pranjić (SC Heerenveen), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Ognjen Vukojević (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovač (FC Salzburg).

Forwards: Mladen Petrić (BV Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), Boško Balaban (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal FC), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04).