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.

Yartsev also called up former Russia captain Viktor Onopko. The 33-year-old defender, the country’s most-capped player with 105, is without a club after being released by Spain’s Rayo Vallecano at the end of last season.

Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Vladislav Radimov and Rotor Volgograd’s Valery Yesipov were also included in the 29-man squad for the September 6 match in Dublin after a long absence.

“All of them are very experienced players and undoubtedly, they will help us in the game against Ireland,” Yartsev said yesterday. “It’s a crucial game for us, there is just too much at stake here.”

Yartsev, however, said that only 20 players will make the trip to Ireland. “I’m not going to take any extra (players) just to sit on the bench,” he said.

Russia, third in their group behind Switzerland and Ireland, also play host to the Swiss on September 10 and to Georgia on October 11, both in Moscow.