Poborský staying with Sparta

Staying put
The 32-year-old midfield player had wavered about his future for a long time, with many expecting the 2003/04 season to be his final campaign at the Letná stadium. However, after a successful UEFA European Championship, where he helped the Czech Republic to the semi-finals, Poborský has decided to continue his career at Sparta.

International milestone
Poborský, who came back to Czech football from S.S. Lazio two years ago, had received offers to return abroad but having pledged his future to his club, he can concentrate now on winning his 100th cap in an August friendly against European champions Greece, who eliminated the Czechs in the UEFA EURO 2004™ semi-finals.

Cech signing
Meanwhile, Sparta, who are due to play a UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie against APOEL FC of Cyprus on 28 July and 4 August, have strengthened their defence with the signing of left-back Marek Cech. The 21-year-old joins on a year's loan from AŠK Inter Bratislava, having just made his international breakthrough with Slovakia.

Johana blow
Cech's arrival came as Sparta were told they would be without Czech Republic defender Petr Johana for six weeks after he suffered a knee injury during their training camp in Germany. With the departure of Tomás Hübschman to FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Sparta coach František Straka may have to start the new season with a new central defensive pairing of Jirí Koubský, recently arrived from FC Tescoma Zlín, and Radek Hochmeister, back after a loan spell at FK Jablonec 97.