Okuka unveils provisional squad

Serbia and Montenegro coach Dragomir Okuka has named a provisional 24-man squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Portugal later this month.

New captain
With Danko Lazović suspended, the captain's armband passes to FK Crvena Zvezda goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković. FK Zeta goalkeeper Aleksandar Jović is the only new player on the list, which will be whittled down to a final 22 on 14 May. Having played in the side that finished third at the UEFA European Under-19 tournament in Northern Ireland last summer and enjoyed consistent form for his club this season, Jović is considered the likely third-choice goalkeeper in Portugal.

Petković agreement
"I had great difficulty drawing up the squad," said Okuka. "Two of the 24 will have to stay at home and I know that will give me a new problem." Some players are also in contention for the FIFA World Cup next month but Okuka added that he had consulted with Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petković on the matter. "I have spoken with Petković and we agreed that those players from my team that interest him will play in Portugal and join his squad after the tournament."

Serbia and Montenegro squad
Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojković (FK Crvena Zvezda), Miroslav Vujadinović (FK Buducnost Podgorica), Aleksandar Jović (FK Zeta).

Defenders: Branislav Ivanović (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Duško Tošić (Sochaux Montblliard), Marko Lomić (FK Partizan), Milan Stepanov (FC Trabzonspor), Milan Bisevač (FK Crvena Zvezda), Nemanja Rnić (FK Partizan), Slobodan Rajković (OFK Beograd), Dušan Basta (FK Crvena Zvezda).

Midfielders: Simon Vukcević (FC Saturn), Dejan Mlovanović (FK Crvena Zvezda), Bosko Janković (FK Crvena Zvezda), Miloš Krasić (PFC CSKA Moskva), Nenad Milijaš (FK Crvena Zvezda), Stefan Babović (FK Partizan), Aleksandar Trisović (FC Kriyvbas), Ivan Todorović (FK Zeta), Igor Burzanović (FK Buducnost Podgorica), Miloš Pavlović (FK Vozdovac).

Forwards: Mirko Vučinić (US Lecce), Milan Purović (FK Crvena Zvezda), Ljubiša Vukelja (FK Vojvodina).