Fresh start for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Though coach Safet Sušić remains at the helm, it is otherwise all change for Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the start of their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying campaign.

Sušić is still in charge despite the disappointment of the Bosnians being eliminated at the group stage of this summer's FIFA World Cup. His squad, though, have convened with a different look: Senijad Ibričić, Emir Spahić – captain in Brazil – and their most-capped player Zvjezdan Misimović have all retired while Sead Kolašinac is out injured. Manchester City FC striker Edin Džeko has been handed the armband.

"To be the new captain is a huge honour," said Džeko, who has 36 goals from 65 internationals. "I feel the same, but the responsibility is bigger. I will try to replace Emir Spahić as best I can. I wish as a captain to play with my team-mates in France in 2016."

The road to France begins at home to Cyprus on Tuesday, preceded by Thursday's friendly against Liechtenstein. The latter fixture will be held at Tušanj Stadium, Tuzla – a small city in the north-west of the country – which will be hosting the national team for the first time and is expecting a sell-out. Elvir Rahimić, Vedad Ibišević, Miralem Pjanić, Sejad Salihović and Ervin Bičakćić all hail from this region. "I took my first football steps in Tuzla and I have great memories," said Ibišević. "It makes me very happy to be able to play at this stadium, wearing the national shirt."

Before all that, Bosnia and Herzegovina had assembled at their new training ground situated above the city of Zenica, about 70km north of Sarajevo. The centre was built with the help of UEFA's HatTrick assistance programme and is in view of the Bilino Polje Stadium, where next week's Cyprus game will take place. The facilities include accommodation that ensures the team no long have to spend time travelling between hotels and training in the lead-up to matches.