Russian coach Valery Gazzayev has called up veteran defender Viktor Onopko to strengthen his squad ahead of next month’s 2004 European championship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
Gazzayev said Onopko, recently signed on loan by Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, is currently in top form and could become a key player in his squad's defence in the Group 10 clash.
"Onopko is very experienced and has done a lot for Russia's national side," Gazzayev said. "He has already played 101 matches for Russia and, I feel, he may be still useful for us."
However, Russia will be without three key players. Skipper Yegor Titov and midfielder Marat Izmailov both failed to overcome injuries, while the 18-year-old striker Dmitry Sychov was dropped after falling out with his club side.
Last week Sychov told Spartak Moscow he wanted his contract rescinded, while the club replied that Sychov's deal expired only in 2006.
Spartak said they were prepared to ask the Russian Football Union to suspend the player.
Gazzayev decided to sideline the player, saying he was not on top form.
"Sychov does not have enough fitness to play at the top level," Gazzzayev said. "Besides, his psychological condition could have been much better."
Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has yet to announce his squad for the September 7th clash.
Goalkeepers: Sergei Ovchinnikov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Ruslan Nigmatullin (CSKA Moscow)
Defenders: Sergei Ignashevich, Gennady Nizhegorodov (both Lokomotiv Moscow), Vyacheslav Dayev, Denis Yevsikov (both CSKA Moscow), Yury Kovtun (Spartak Moscow), Viktor Onopko (Rayo Vallecano/Spa)
Midfielders: Alexei Smertin (Bordeaux/Fra), Igor Yanovsky, Rolan Gusev, Andrei Solomatin, Sergei Semak (all CSKA Moscow), Dmitry Loskov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Dmitry Khohlov (Real Sociedad/Spa), Andrei Karyaka (Samara), Andrei Arshavin (Saint Petersburg), Igor Semshov (Torpedo Moscow), Yevgeny Aldonin (Volgograd), Denis Laktionov (Samsung/Kor)
Forwards: Ruslan Pimenov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Kerzhakov (Saint Petersburg), Denis Popov (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Beschastnykh (Spartak Moscow)