Grant turns to new generation

Israel coach Avraham Grant has made sweeping changes in announcing his squad for a three-day training camp next week ahead of their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where they meet France, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands.

Suan's delight
The experienced Eyal Berkovic, Tal Banin, Haim Revivo, Avi Nimni, Yossi Abuksis, Alon Harazi, Adoram Keisi and Avishai Zano have all been excluded. Meanwhile, Abas Suan, Omer Golan, Ravid Gazal and Shlomi Arbreitman are called up for the first time. Suan said: "This is a dream come true for me."

'Time to look forward'
Grant, who has foreign-based quartet Pini Balili, Yossi Benayoun, Omri Afek and Dudu Awat unavailable, said: "The generation which dominated the international scene over the last decade represented us proudly in Europe. But, at the same time, they are mostly over the age of 31 and it is time to look forward." However, he has not ruled out recalls for the older players during the campaign.

Israel squad
Elimelech, Davidovic, Benado, Ben Haim, Gershon, Antebi, Uzan, Haliva, Ben Dayan, Tal, Badier, Zandberg, Zarfati, Gazal, Luz, Suan, Alberman, Katan, Udi, Gola, Arbeitman