Russian old guard back for Euro qualifier

ALEXANDER Mostovoi was among several experienced players recalled into Russia’s squad on Tuesday by new national team coach Georgy Yartsev for next month’s Euro 2004 Group 10 away qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

Yartsev, who replaced Valery Gazzayev as Russia boss on Monday, named the Celta Vigo captain along with Spartak Moscow playmaker Yegor Titov and Porto winger Dmitry Alenichev in the team for the first time since last year’s World Cup finals.

Gazzayev, who quit following a lacklustre 2-1 home defeat by Israel in a friendly last Wednesday, had been heavily criticised by Russian media for discarding many veterans.