Top > Sport > 2006 > May > 2006-05-08

Serbia and Montenegro Team for Under-21 UEAF Championship Unveiled

Dragomir Okuka, Serbia and Montenegro`s coach, announced the names of the players that will be part of the provisional 24-man team for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The championship is held in Portugal later this month.

FK Zeta goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovi? is the only new player on the list, which will be whittled down to a final 22 on May 14. Having played in the side that finished third at the UEFA European Under-19 tournament in Northern Ireland last summer and enjoyed consistent form for his club this season, is considered the likely third-choice goalkeeper in Portugal.

"I had great difficulty drawing up the squad," said Okuka. "Two of the 24 will have to stay at home and I know that will give me a new problem." Some players are also in contention for the FIFA World Cup next month but Okuka added that he had consulted with Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovi? on the matter. "I have spoken with Petkovi? and we agreed that those players from my team that interest him will play in Portugal and join his squad after the tournament."