Hinkel has debut hope

VfB Stuttgart defender Andreas Hinkel could be in line for his first German cap after being named by coach Rudi Völler in his squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Serbia and Montenegro.

Debut chance
Hinkel, 21, is the only uncapped player in the 18-man squad for the match in Bremen, although he was included in the party for last month's 1-1 UEFA EURO 2004™ draw against Lithuania. The former Under-21 international has impressed in Stuttgart's challenge for a UEFA Champions League place this season.

Injury rules out trio
Brazilian-born Stuttgart striker Kevin Kuranyi, who did earn a 19-minute debut against Lithuania, is included alongside Hinkel, but FC Bayern München's Michael Ballack, Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfield player Bernd Schneider and Tottenham Hotspur FC wing-back Christian Ziege all miss out through injury. However, Bayern midfield player Jens Jeremies and SV Werder Bremen defender Frank Baumann are both back after injury ruled them out against Lithuania.

Group leaders
Unbeaten Germany currently lead EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 5, level on seven points with Lithuania and Scotland but ahead on goal difference and holding games in hand on both. Their next competitive fixture is in Scotland on 7 June, followed by a trip to the Faroe Islands four days later.

Germany squad
Kahn, Rost, Baumann, Friedrich, Hinkel, Rau, Wörns, Böhme, Frings, Kehl, Hamann, Jeremies, Ramelow, Bobic, Freier, Klose, Kuranyi, Neuville.