Bans deplete Barić's Albania

Albania coach Otto Barić has been hit by suspensions with three key players missing from his 21-man squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Slovenia and Bulgaria.

Trio out
Lorik Cana and Edmond Kapllani serve bans for both Group G games, on 13 and 17 October, while Armend Dallku is suspended for the Slovenia match and Besart Berisha is also unavailable due to injury. Their absences offer an opportunity to Under-21 captain Andi Lila, who earns a first call-up together with Elis Bakaj and Dorian Bylykbashi. Meanwhile, Ervin Skela returns after sitting out the 1-0 defeat by the Netherlands because of a ban. Albania are fifth in their section, eleven points behind both the Dutch and leaders Romania.

Albania squad
Goalkeepers: Arian Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Isli Hidi (FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih).

Defenders: Debatik Curri (FC Vorskla Poltava), Armend Dallku (FC Vorskla Poltava), Nevil Dede (KF Tirana), Erion Xhafa (KF Tirana), Kristi Vangjeli (Aris Thessaloniki FC), Blerim Rrustemi (AC Horsens), Andi Lila (KS Besa).

Midfielders: Devis Mukaj (KF Tirana), Ervin Bulku (FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih), Altin Haxhi (Ergotelis FC), Klodian Duro (KF Tirana), Jahmir Hyka (KF Tirana), Elis Bakaj (FK Partizani), Altin Lala (Hannover 96), Ervin Skela (FC Energie Cottbus), Dorian Bylykbashi (FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih).

Forwards: Alban Bushi (Apollon Kalamarias FC), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried), Erjon Bogdani (AS Livorno Calcio).