Panov earns Russian return
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Article summary
FC Torpedo Moskva striker Aleksandr Panov has been recalled by Russia for the friendly against Austria.
Article body
By Pavle Gognidze
FC Torpedo Moskva striker Aleksandr Panov has earned a recall by Russia for their friendly in Austria on 25 May.
Great start
The 28-year-old has not played for his country since November 2001 but has been in terrific form in the 2004 domestic season. Panov, who has four goals in 16 matches for Russia, has scored eight times in eleven games to help Torpedo to top spot in the Premier League.
Debut chance
Panov's club-mate Aleksei Bugayev, 22, and the 21-year-old FC Krylya Sovetov Samara full-back Aleksandr Anyukov are in line to make their international debuts in Vienna. Their chances have increased in the absence of injured FC Lokomotiv Moskva defender Dmitri Sennikov from Georgi Yartsev's 23-man squad.
Without Alenichev
Meanwhile, FC Zenit St. Peterburg midfield player Vladimir Bystrov has recovered from injury after missing last month's 3-2 friendly defeat in Norway. Aleksandr Mostovoi, of RC Celta de Vigo, also returns but Dmitri Alenichev has been omitted due to his involvement with FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League final.
Russia squad
Malafeev, Ovchinnikov, Evseev, Onopko, Ignashevitch, Sharonov, Bugayev, Anyukov, Smertin, Radimov, Loskov, Izmailov, Karyaka, Gusev, Bystrov, Boyarintsev, Aldonin, Mostovoi, Bulykin, Sytchev, Kerzhakov, Panov, Kirichenko.
