Pijpers names tour party

Estonia coach Arno Pijpers has named a 23-man squad for the country's upcoming series of friendlies.

Three friendlies
In February, Estonia are travelling to Ecuador and China along with top club side FC Flora, also coached by Dutchman Pijpers, for a total of six matches, including three official friendlies. First up on 9 February is an engagement against Ecuador in Guayaquil, for which neither side will be at full strength. Three days later the sides face each other again in Quito before Estonia head to face China on 16 February in Wuhan.

Poom still recovering
Missing from Pijpers' squad is Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Mart Poom, who is still recovering from injury. Poom's understudy Martin Kaalma is also out after undergoing knee surgery in December. As cover Pijpers has called up goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko from Russian side SC Rotor Volgograd. Meanwhile, centre-back Raio Piiroja's knee injury is getting better and there is a small chance he will be able to join up with the team.

Next qualifier
Estonia's next UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier is on 2 April against Bulgaria. They are third in qualifying Group 8 with one point from two games.

Estonia squad
Pareiko, Kiseljov, Kaas, Piiroja, U Rooba, Stepanov, Saviauk, Allas, Hohlov-Simson, Rähan, Reim, Kristal, Oper, Lindpere, M Rooba, Novikov, Zahovaiko, Zelinski, Terehhov, Viikmäe, Haavistu, Saharov, Ustritski.