Günes puts faith in Ibrahim
Friday, February 7, 2003
Article summary
Besiktas JK's Ibrahim Üzülmez has been called up to the Turkey squad for the first time.
Article body
Large squad
Ibrahim, Besiktas's matchwinner in the recent derby victory over Istanbul rivals Galatasaray SK, is one of 30 players drafted in by Günes, whose plans for the England game were hampered by the decision to cancel a training camp in Dubai last month.
Preparations hit
"We could not prepare as we had wanted to during the winter break," Günes said. "Our Dubai training camp was cancelled and that was bad. We need to get together soon to improve our preparation for the crucial match against England. The Ukraine friendly will help us see our mistakes and our weaknesses. It is for that reason I have called up a large squad."
Tayfun recalled
Recalled for the match in Ismir is Real Sociedad striker Tayfun Korkut, his first involvement since being left out of Günes's FIFA World Cup squad last summer. Meanwhile, Ahmet Yildirim, Tümer Metin, Deniz Baris and Mustafa Özkan all get the chance to impress the coach. Turkey lead Group 7 with maximum points from three matches, five points more than England who have played a game less. The sides meet on 2 April.
Turkey squad
Tayfur, Ilhan, Ahmet, Tümer, Ibrahim, Bülent, Ergün, Ümit, Hasan, Emre, Arif, Hakan, Cihan, Deniz, Rüstü, Abdullah, Fatihl, Ümit, Serhat, Fatih, Ömer, Mustafa, Zafer, Tugay, Alpay, Emre, Okan, Tayfun, Nihat, Yildiray.
