Georgia take chance on Kaladze

Georgia coach Alexandre Chivadze has named 12 foreign-based players for his side's back-to-back UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 10 home qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland on 29 March and 2 April.

Surprise inclusions
The squad's domestic-based contingent will be named three days before the Ireland game. Among today's surprise inclusions are those of AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze, who is recovering from a hip injury, and Dundee FC defender Zurab Khizanishvili, who is banned for one match after being sent off during an Under-21 game against Russia.

Bottom of group
Georgia lost their opening qualifier against the Swiss 4-1 and their second game, against Russia, was abandoned due to floodlight failure at the Lokomotivi stadium in Tbilisi. As a result, Georgia are bottom of Group 10 while the Swiss lead the way with seven points from three games. Georgia's replay against Russia is scheduled for 30 April.

Georgia squad
Kaladze, Kobiashvili, Khizanishvili, Rekhviashvili, Nemsadze, Jamarauli, Kinkladze, Tskitishvili, S. Arveladze, Demetradze, Iashvili, Ashvetia.