SOFIA Striker Hristo Stoichkov is to play a key role in Bulgaria's new-look squad for their first European championship qualifier against Poland as they seek to put their disappointing World Cup finals behind them. Bulgaria Coach Hristo Bonev, who has named a provisional 21-man squad for the match in the Black Sea port of Bourgas on September 6, said Stoichkov was an experienced and respected player on whom he would rely in difficult moments.

The 32-year-old Stoichkov, sacked by Barcelona in March, joined Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol after the World Cup finals in which Bulgaria finished bottom of their opening round group after losing twice and drawing the other game. Bonev left out nine of Bulgaria's old guard, including midfielder Krassimir Balakov, who had already said he would not play for the national team after the World Cup as he wanted to concentrate on his form for VFB Stuttgart. Other leading Bulgarian players dropped are strikers Lyuboslav Penev from Spanish Celta Vigo and midfielder Zlatko Yankov from Turkey's Besiktas, Emil Kostadinov and Trifon Ivanov, who both played for Cska Sofia last season.

Ivailo Yordanov from Sporting Lisbon kept his place in the team, but the majority are young, six of them between 21 and 23. Four who might make their international debut include 22-year-old goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov and 21-year-old defender Zahari Sirakov, both from Levski Sofia. (Reuter)