Duo catch Anthuenis' eye

Belgium coach Aimé Anthuenis has named uncapped duo Jelle Van Damme and Cédric Roussel in his friendly squad to face Algeria next Wednesday.

Form players
The 19-year-old Van Damme has made ten appearances in defence for Dutch side AFC Ajax this season, including four in the UEFA Champions League, while forward Roussel, 24, has hit an impressive 13 goals in 19 games for R. AEC Mons, where he has been on loan from English club Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

Martens back
Anthuenis has also recalled Club Brugge KV forward Sandy Martens, who has been out of the international picture since 1999. However Celtic FC defender Joos Valgaeren is missing through injury, to Anthuenis' regret. "He was part of my plans," the Belgium coach said. "But he has problems with his stomach muscles and his groin. I just heard about it this morning - he has not been able to train for the last two or three days and Celtic wanted him to rest."

Mpenza 'fully fit'
Nico Van Kerckhoven and Bob Peeters are also missing through injury but striker Mbo Mpenza is recalled, despite not having played competitive football since the beginning of November. "He is fully fit and would have played last weekend had snow not caused the cancellation of all the league games," Anthuenis explained.

Belgium squad
De Vlieger, Herpoel, Van Buyten, Vanderheyden, Simons, De Cock, Van Damme, Goor, Baseggio, Vanderhaeghe, Englebert, Thijs, Martens, M Mpenza, Sonck, Buffel, Roussel, Soetaers, E Mpenza.