Logins logs on for Latvia
Monday, August 9, 2004
Article summary
FC Dinaburg left-back Vadims Logins could win his first Latvia cap after being called up to face Wales.
Article body
Dinaburg regular
The 22-year-old has been a regular for Dinaburg this season and has already made an impression on Starkovs. "Logins is a promising defender and someone who will be able to rejuvenate the squad in the future," the trainer said. "It is very important for him and for Igors Korablovs, another young talent, to gain more experience. I called up Logins in December and he made a good impression."
Pahars injury
Korablovs, the FK Ventspils left-back, remains an integral part of Starkovs' plans after being selected for UEFA EURO 2004™, as does Southampton FC forward Marians Pahars, who is included despite an ankle injury. "I did not have any doubts about including Pahars even after learning about his problem," Starkovs said. "He still has time to recover. I am counting on him."
New faces
FC Moskva striker Vladimirs Kolesnicenko and Skonto FC's Igors Semenovs, along with Logins, are the only new faces in a squad that performed admirably at EURO 2004™. Latvia kick off their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign at home to Portugal on 4 September, before visiting Luxembourg four days later.
Latvia squad
Kolinko, Piedels, Pavlovs, Stepanovs, Isakovs, Zemlinskis, Zakresevskis, Blagonadezdins, Zirnis, Korablovs, Logins, Bleidelis, Lobanovs, Laizans, Rubins, Astafjevs, Kolesnicenko, Semenovs, Verpakovskis, Pahars, Prokhorenkovs, Rimkus, Miholaps.