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Bílek names experienced Czech friendly squad

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

FC Viktoria Plzeň right-back František Rajtoral is the only new name in the Czech Republic's squad for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland, with Michal Bílek opting for familiar faces.

Viktoria Plzeň right-back František Rajtoral is the only new call-up to the squad
Viktoria Plzeň right-back František Rajtoral is the only new call-up to the squad ©Getty Images

Czech Republic coach Michal Bílek has chosen an experienced squad for the friendly against fellow UEFA EURO 2012 finalists the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

The major absence in an almost full-strength selection is PFC CSKA Moskva forward Tomáš Necid, who is still recovering after seven months on the sidelines following a knee injury. Right-back František Rajtoral – one of four FC Viktoria Plzeň players called up – is the sole newcomer. He will fulfil Zdeněk Pospěch's role after the 1. FSV Mainz defender sustained a knee problem earlier this month.

Tomáš Hübschman returns after missing the play-off win against Montenegro due to suspension. After playing Ireland on 29 February, the Czech Republic have two more warm-up games before the finals begin, taking on Israel in Austria on 26 May and Hungary at home on 1 June. They start their Group A campaign a week later against Russia in Wroclaw before taking on Greece and tournament co-hosts Poland.

Czech Republic squad
Goalkeepers: Petr Čech (Chelsea FC), Jaroslav Drobný (Hamburger SV).

Defenders: Jan Rajnoch (Sivasspor), Tomáš Sivok (Beşiktaş JK), Theodor Gebreselassie (FC Slovan Liberec), Roman Hubník (Hertha BSC Berlin), Daniel Pudil (AC Cesena), Michal Kadlec (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), František Rajtoral (FC Viktoria Plzeň).

Midfielders: Tomáš Rosický (Arsenal FC), Petr Jiráček (VfL Wolfsburg), Tomáš Hübschman (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Daniel Kolář (FC Viktoria Plzeň), Jaroslav Plašil (FC Girondins de Bordeaux), Jan Rezek (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Václav Pilař (FC Viktoria Plzeň), Milan Petržela (FC Viktoria Plzeň).

Forwards: Milan Baroš (Galatasaray AŞ), David Lafata (FK Jablonec), Tomáš Pekhart (1. FC Nürnberg).

*Roman Hubník and Tomáš Rosický have withdrawn. David Limberský (FC Viktoria Plzeň) and Jiří Štajner (FC Slovan Liberec) have been added.

© 1998-2024 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Thursday, June 28, 2012

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