News Feature
Bilic calls up uncapped pair for qualifiers
30 September 2008
Zagreb-based defender Dino Drpic has been called up to the Croatian international team for the country's forthcoming matches against Ukraine and Andorra to replace the suspended Robert Kovac, it has been revealed.
Eurosport reports Greuther Firth's Ivo Ilicevic has also been recruited by coach Slaven Bilic, meaning two uncapped players will be in the squad.
Croatia welcome Andorra and their travelling contingent to Zagreb on October 15th following another World Cup qualifier with Ukraine in Kharkiv on October 11th.
Speaking to the news provider, Bilic commented: "Ilcevic is very good, a playmaker in our under-21 team. We decided he's better than Anas Sharbini, Marin Tomasov or Mario Brkljaca at the moment. This is his chance."
The coach added the two players will fill spaces vacated by Eduardo da Silva and Niko Kranjcar through injury, Kovac through his suspension and former captain Dario Simic, who has retired.
In related news, Bilic told Sportske Novosti earlier this month that he will remain with the Croatian national team until his contract expires in 2010.
He was responding to speculation linking him with the mangers job at West Ham United, which has since been filled by Gianfranco Zola.
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