Latvia bring in young guns

Latvia coach Jurijs Andrejevs has named two newcomers in his 23-man squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Liechtenstein on 28 March.

Surprise nominations
The uncapped Skonto FC duo of Aleksandrs Cauna and Andrejs Pereplotkins were the surprise inclusions for the visit to Vaduz, where fourth-placed Latvia will hope to claim their first away points in Group F. The 19-year-old Cauna is considered one of Latvia's brightest prospects, while Pereplotkins' call-up follows his success last week in acquiring a Latvian passport. The 21-year-old Russian-born midfielder is arguably the fastest player in Latvia's top flight.

Verpakovskis doubt
Andrejevs has also selected key forward Maris Verpakovskis, despite the fact he is rated doubtful, and recalled Jevgenijs Kosmacovs of FK Ventspils and the FHK Liepajas Metalurgs pair Deniss Ivanovs and Pavels Surnins. Captain Vitalis Astafjevs will also make the trip to Vaduz, even though he is suspended.

Latvia squad
Goalkeepers: Andrejs Piedels (Skonto FC), Aleksandrs Kolinko (FC Rubin Kazan), Andris Vanins (FK Ventspils).

Defenders: Igors Stepanovs (Esbjerg fB), Maris Smirnovs (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti), Deniss Ivanovs (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Kaspars Gorkss (Blackpool FC), Oskars Klava (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Deniss Kacanovs (FK Ventspils), Dzintars Zirnis (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Pavels Surnins (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs).

Midfielders: Vitalis Astafjevs (Skonto FC), Jurijs Laizans (FC Kuban Krasnodar), Imants Bleidelis (FK Jurmala), Andrejs Pereplotkins (Skonto FC), Aleksandrs Cauna (Skonto FC), Aleksejs Višnakovs (Skonto FC), Jevgenijs Kosmacovs (FK Ventspils), Viktors Morozs (Skonto FC).

Forwards: Maris Verpakovskis (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Marians Pahars (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Girts Karlsons (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Andrejs Prohorenkovs (Racing Club Ferrol).