UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Bojinov in line for debut

Coach Plamen Markov has hinted that 18-year-old Valeri Bojinov will appear in Bulgaria's final game against Italy.

Enforced changes
Bulgaria will be without the suspended Stilian Petrov and Rosen Kirilov, while left-back Ivailo Petkov has a thigh strain. Ilian Stoianov and Zlatomir Zagorcic are likely to replace Kirilov and Petkov in the Bulgarian defence, with Martin Petrov replacing his namesake Stilian in midfield and there could also be a place for Bojinov.

Bojinov debut
Markov will make other changes as he looks to salvage some pride from the tournament before Bulgaria return home. Discussing the probable inclusion of the 18-year-old Bojinov, a midfield player with US Lecce, the coach said: "Valeri will probably get a chance to play against Italy. I'll be forced to make some changes and other players may also come in. For us, the game is for pride. We’ll try to show what we can do."

Shameful ending
Meanwhile, Markov said he was disappointed by his team's behaviour in the closing minutes of yesterday's 2-0 defeat by Denmark which confirmed their elimination. They collected five yellow cards, two of them to captain Stilian Petrov, and Markov said: "I'm ashamed of my players' reaction in the last minutes and we deserved our bookings. The players didn't behave in a proper manner. In life, as in football, there are defeats as well victories, so it's important that they learn how to lose. They are professionals and must know how to behave on the pitch."

Uncertain future
The coach also confirmed that he was facing an uncertain future, with his contract with the Bulgarian Football Union due to expire at the end of the month. "I can't say whether I'll stay or go," he said. "There are no new developments regarding that issue. For now we must simply focus all our attentions on the game against Italy."