Balakov's days not numbered yet

Krassimir Balakov's international career may not be over yet, after he was named among Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov's 14 foreign-based players for the friendly match against Albania later this month.

Doubts over future
Balakov turned 37 last month and many observers in his homeland felt the VfB Stuttgart playmaker would no longer play international football after he picked up a yellow card in the Group 8 goalless draw with Estonia on 2 April which means he is suspended for the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Belgium in June. Balakov, a veteran of Bulgaria's 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign, will take up a coaching role at Stuttgart at the end of the season although he will retain his playing licence.

Hristov returns
Elsewhere, Marian Hristov from 1. FC Kaiserslautern returns to the squad after a long absence through injury and there is also a place for defender Georgi Petrov, now playing for Chinese side Beijing Sanyan. However, another China-based player, striker Zoran Yankovic, has been dropped after featuring in the goalless draw with Estonia.

Bulgaria's foreign-based players
Zdravkov, Kishishev, Pazhin, I Petkov, G Petrov, S Petrov, Peev, M Petkov,  Balakov, Borimirov,  Hristov, M Petrov, Berbatov, Todorov.