Brečko recalled as Slovenia name play-off squad

Slovenia coach Srečko Katanec welcomes back Mišo Brečko after naming his squad for the UEFA EURO 2016 play-off with Ukraine.

Around 500 fans will follow Slovenia to the first leg on 14 November in Lviv before the action moves three days later to Maribor and an almost sold-out Stadium Ljudski vrt. In a familiar team list Brečko, who appeared Slovenia's first six Group E games, is recalled, as are Siniša Andjelković and Benjamin Verbič. There is no place for Tim Matavž, Nejc Skubic or Dejan Trajkovski.

Katanec said: "I have watched all Ukraine's qualifying matches. They conceded only four goals, that is amazing. Ukraine have a technically sophisticated and robust team. Their wingers are great, their only problems are in defence and maybe in picking up bookings.

"Our FIFA ranking [Slovenia have dropped to 64th place, with Ukraine 28th] will not play any role in these play-offs. In such matches you also need some luck. We will play two games in three days, and in this situation sometimes even the best teams can slip.

"Mišo Brečko was twice missing [in September and October], but these are matches in which we need experienced guys. Three days, two matches, one aim – I am sure that will the right approach we can be successful and we can bring some joy to Slovenia again."

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Slovenia squad
Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovič (Internazionale Milano), Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid), Nejc Vidmar (Domžale).

Defenders: Luka Krajnc (Cagliari), Boštjan Cesar (Chievo Verona), Andraž Struna (PAS Giannina), Siniša Andjelković (Palermo), Bojan Jokič (Villarreal), Miral Samardžić (Rijeka), Branko Ilič (Astana), Mišo Brečko (Nürnberg).

Midfielders: Valter Birsa (Chievo Verona), Josip Iličić (Fiorentina), Kevin Kampl (Bayer Leverkusen), Andraž Kirm (Omonia Nicosia), Jasmin Kurtič (Atalanta), Rajko Rotman (Istanbul BB), Dejan Lazarevič (Antalyaspor), Rene Krhin (Granada), Nejc Pečnik (JEF United), Benjamin Verbič (FC København).

Forwards: Zlatan Ljubijankič (Urawa Red Diamonds), Robert Berić (Saint-Étienne), Milivoje Novakovič (Nagoya Grampus).