Russia's Marat Izmailov out to make his mark

Marat Izmailov says he will do "whatever it takes" to secure a place in Russia's UEFA EURO 2008™ squad having returned to the fold for next week's friendly against fellow finalists Romania.

'Great' feeling
The Sporting Clube de Portugal midfielder's last international appearance came in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Israel on 7 October 2006, but the 25-year-old is back among Guus Hiddink's plans for the game in Bucharest on 26 March having withdrawn from last month's training camp in Turkey due to injury. "It's always great to be in the national team," Izmailov, who is on loan at Sporting from FC Lokomtiv Moskva, told uefa.com. "I wasn't sure I'd be on the list, but it wasn't a surprise either. I've played a lot for Sporting and in February I was invited to a Russia training camp in Turkey. I really wanted to go but I could not - I had a minor injury and the club agreed my absence with the national team."

Experience
Despite being only 25, Izmailov is one of the most experienced players in Guus Hiddink's party, with 31 caps and two goals to his name. He made his debut on 14 August 2001 against Greece and was part of the squads at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2004™. "I'm in good form and I hope to get a place in the team a year and a half after my last cap," Izmailov added. "I am ready to help the national team and I will do whatever it takes to get to Austria and Switzerland this summer."

'Moving forward'
Izmailov certainly believes the future is bright for Russian football, saying: "It is obvious that the Russian side has been moving forward in recent times. The new players who are now part of the team have made us stronger. Our qualification for EURO 2008™ is proof of that. From here on I think the national team will be making progress every year."