Austrians awarded second chance

Austria coach Josef Hickersberger has recalled Emanuel Pogatetz, Roland Linz and Thomas Prager for the friendly against Germany on 6 February, three of ten players named who ply their trade outside the Austrian Bundesliga.

Fresh opportunities
The trio will each have the chance to reassert their credentials ahead of UEFA EURO 2008™, in a preview of the Group B fixture between the central European neighbours. Middlesbrough FC defender Pogatetz is back in the reckoning after settling differences with Hickersberger while Linz has caught the eye with eight goals in 15 games for his new club SC Braga this season. Prager has also been welcomed back to the fold as Hickersberger turns to players with international experience.

Austria squad
Goalkeepers: Alexander Manninger (AC Siena), Helge Payer (SK Rapid Wien).

Defenders: Christian Fuchs (SV Mattersburg), György Garics (SSC Napoli), Andreas Ibertsberger (SC Freiburg), Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough FC), Sebastian Prödl (SK Sturm Graz), Martin Stranzl (FC Spartak Moskva).

Midfielders: René Aufhauser (FC Salzburg), Andreas Ivanschitz (Panathinaikos FC), Veli Kavlak (SK Rapid Wien), Christoph Leitgeb (FC Salzburg), Thomas Prager (SC Heerenveen), Jürgen Säumel (SK Sturm Graz), Joachim Standfest (FK Austria Wien).

Forwards: Martin Harnik (Werder Bremen), Roman Kienast (Ham-Kam Fotball), Roland Linz (SC Braga).