Vandereycken opts for fresh faces

Belgium coach René Vandereycken has named an experimental 22-man squad for next month's friendly against Saudi Arabia, with nine uncapped players being handed their chance.

Promising youngsters
With eyes firmly focused on this autumn's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers, Vandereycken is determined to use the match against FIFA World Cup finalists Saudi Arabia to try out a number of promising youngsters, saying: "I can still experiment, but after the game I want to work with a more regular group. I know the new players on the pitch, but not personally, and I want to find out more." Belgium face the Saudis on 11 May at the Fortuna Sittard stadium, before matches against Slovakia and Turkey on 20 and 24 May.

Belgium squad
Goalkeepers: Michael Cordier (RAA Louviéroise), Brian Vandenbussche (SC Heerenveen), Stijn Stijnen (Club Brugge KV).

Defenders: Pieter Collen (Feyenoord), Karl Hoefkens (Stoke City FC), Anthony Vanden Borre (RSC Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (AFC Ajax), Philippe Léonard (R. Standard de Liege), Nicolas Lombaerts (KAA Gent), Vincent Kompany (RSC Anderlecht).

Midfielders: Karel Geraerts (R. Standard de Liège), Bart Goor (RSC Anderlecht), Timmy Simons (PSV Eindhoven), Steven Dufour (KRC Genk), Nathan D'Haemers (SV Zulte-Waregem), Tom Caluwé (FC Utrecht), Koen Daerden (KRC Genk), Wim De Decker (KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen).

Forwards: Thomas Buffel (Rangers FC), Stein Huysegems (AZ Alkmaar), Mbo Mpenza (RSC Anderlecht), Kevin Vandenbergh (KRC Genk).