Pyunik stars bolster Armenia

Four newcomers will replace some established stars as Ian Porterfield's Armenia prepare for a friendly game against Panama in Fresno, California on 14 January.

Absent stars
With established stars Edgar Manucharyan, Romik Khachatryan, Karen Dokhoyan, Artavazd Karamyan and Hamlet Mkhitaryan all being permitted to stay with their clubs, goalkeeper Edgar Gasparyan, defender Hayk Chilingaryan and forwards Henrik Mkhitaryan and Tigran Karabagtsyan - all of whom play for domestic champions FC Pyunik - have been given an opportunity to shine. The 22-man squad will take on Panama before playing an exhibition game against a yet-to-be confirmed Major League Soccer team.

Armenia squad
Goalkeepers: Gevorg Kasparov (FC Pyunik), Edgar Gasparyan (FC Pyunik).

Defenders: Hayk Chilingaryan (FC Pyunik), Robert Arzumanyan (FC Pyunik), Sargis Hovsepyan (FC Pyunik), Valeri Aleksanyan (FC Pyunik), Aleksandr Tadevosyan (FC Pyunik), Egishe Melikyan (FC Stal Alchevsk), Agvan Mkrtchyan (FC Pyunik), Armen Tigranyan (FC Pyunik).

Midfielders: Karen Aleksanyan (CSF Zimbru Chisinau), Agvan Mkrtchyan (FC Pyunik), Arman Karamyan (FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt), Levon Pachajyan (FC Pyunik), Rafael Nazaryan (FC Pyunik), Artur Minasyan (FC Ararat), Henrik Mkhitaryan (FC Pyunik).

Forwards: Armen Shahgeldyan (FC Mika), Aram Hakobyan (FC Banants), Ara Hakobyan (FC Stal Alchevsk), Galust Petrosyan (CSF Zimbru Chisinau), Tigran Karabagtsyan (FC Pyunik).