Injured Ukraine captain Oleh Luzhny is a doubtful starter for Saturday's Euro 2000 play-off against Slovenia. "He is not training with the rest of the squad," said Ukraine assistant coach Volodymyr Veremeyev. "At the moment there is a big question mark over his participation." Veremeyev said the Arsenal right back can only do light running following a groin strain and leg injury.

However, the outlook for injured Dynamo Kiev central defender Olexander Holovko was more optimistic.

"He is getting better and has already resumed training," Veremeyev said. Slovenia's goalkeeper Marko Simeunovic will be fit to face Ukraine in both legs of their Euro 2000 play-offs, the Slovenian team doctor Bogdan Korosec said. "He is training without any problems so I believe the thigh muscle in his right leg is healed. All the other players are also healthy."

Coach Srecko Katanec "Our destiny is now in our own hands, no matter how much bigger favourites Ukraine are on paper they still have to prove it in the game."