Capello recalls Semak and Zyryanov
Reuters - Thursday 23 August 2012, 18:40
New Russia coach Fabio Capello on
Thursday called up experienced midfielder Sergei Semak in an
expanded squad for next month's 2014 World Cup qualifiers
against Northern Ireland and Israel.
The 36-year-old Semak, who captained Russia at Euro 2008
where they reached semi-finals, last played for the national
side in a friendly against Hungary in March 2010.
Italian Capello, who replaced Dutchman Dick Advocaat as
Russia boss last month, decided he needed experienced players in
a team that failed to advance past the group stage at Euro 2012,
bringing back 34-year-old midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov.
The former England manager also recalled Reading striker
Pavel Pogrebnyak and Anzhi Makhachkala winger Yuri Zhirkov among
others in a 37-man squad after dropping the duo for this month's
friendly against Ivory Coast.
Russia open their qualifying campaign at home to Northern
Ireland on September 7 before facing Israel four days later.