Ekdal targets another first with Sweden
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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Midfield player Albin Ekdal is hoping to follow a first appearance for Juventus last month with a debut at Under-21 level after being called up by Sweden for a friendly against a Netherlands B team in Waalwijk.
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Özkan returns
The 19-year-old is not the only newcomer among the 20 players selected by Jörgen Lennartsson and Tommy Söderberg, with IFK Göteborg defender Erik Lund also in contention to win a first cap. Meanwhile, fine form for AIK Solna has prompted a recall after two years away for midfielder Gabriel Özkan. "We're glad that Gabriel is finally free from injury and able to play regularly," Lennartsson said. "He's a player with international quality." Sweden will host the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship next June.
Sweden squad
Goalkeepers: Johan Dahlin (Trelleborgs FF), Pär Hansson (Helsingborgs IF).
Defenders: Rasmus Bengtsson (Trelleborgs FF), Mattias Bjärsmyr (IFK Göteborg), Emil Johansson (Hammarby IF), Per Karlsson (AIK Solna), Erik Lund (IFK Göteborg), Mikael Lustig (Rosenborg BK), Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers FC).
Midfielders: Denni Avdic (IF Elfsborg), Emir Bajrami (IF Elfsborg), Albin Ekdal (Juventus), Rasmus Elm (Kalmar FF), Andreas Landgren (Helsingborgs IF), Guillermo Molins (Malmö FF), Gustav Svensson (IFK Göteborg), Gabriel Özkan (AIK Solna).
Forwards: Rawez Lawan (AC Horsens), Ola Toivonen (Malmö FF), Pontus Wernbloom (IFK Göteborg).