Veteran Mikkelsen answers Kerr call

Faroe Islands coach Brian Kerr has called veteran goalkeeper Jákup Mikkelsen out of international retirement for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Slovenia and Northern Ireland after first choice Gunnar Nielsen succumbed to injury.

Mikkelsen had brought his 67-cap national-team career to an end after 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, but Kerr is short of experienced shot-stoppers and has not hesitated in asking the 40-year-old ÍF Fuglafjørður player to return. "He's in good shape," the ex-Republic of Ireland boss said.

Nielsen hurt his shoulder during the 5-0 loss at Group C favourites Italy on 7 September and, though included in Kerr's 21-man party, the Tranmere Rovers FC player is not expected to feature. HB Tórshavn's Tórður Thomsen was in line to deputise, yet his lack of experience prompted Kerr to turn to Mikkelsen.

Two more familiar faces, right-back Jónhard Frederiksberg and midfielder Pauli G Hansen, are recalled after lengthy absences, while Kerr has selected 20-year-old defender Erling Jacobsen for the first time. The Faroes travel to Slovenia on 8 October before hosting Northern Ireland four days later.

Faroe Islands squad
Goalkeepers: Jákup Mikkelsen (ÍF Fuglafjørður), Tórður Thomsen (HB Tórshavn), Gunnar Nielsen (Tranmere Rovers FC).

Defenders: Jónas Tór Næs (B36 Tórshavn), Atli Gregersen (Ross County FC), Johan Troest Davidsen (NSÍ Runavík), Egil á Bø (EB/Streymur), Hendrik Rubeksen (HB Tórshavn), Jónhard Frederiksberg (NSÍ Runavík), Erling Jacobsen (Víkingur).

Midfielders: Daniel Udsen (EB/Streymur), Pauli G. Hansen (EB/Streymur), Fróði Benjaminsen (HB Tórshavn), Símun Samuelsen (HB Tórshavn), Bogi Løkin (NSÍ Runavík), Jann Ingi Petersen (NSÍ Runavík), Jústinus R. Hansen (NSÍ Runavík), Christian Lamhauge Holst (Silkeborg IF).

Forwards: Jóan Símun Edmundsson (Newcastle United FC), Arnbjørn Hansen (EB/Streymur), Christian R. Mouritsen (B36 Tórshavn).