Biscan back in Croatia squad

By Paul Higham

Liverpool's Igor Biscan has won a return to the Croatian national squad for their Euro 2004 qualifier against Bulgaria.

Croatian coach Otto Baric has been impressed with Biscan's form as he fills in for the injured Stephane Henchoz in Gerard Houllier's side.

Baric has also included uncapped Zoran Zekic and Grashoppers striker Mladen Petric in his party to take on Bulgaria in Zagreb on October 11.

"Zekic is top scorer in the Croatian league, while Petric and Biscan have deserved positions in their sides," said Baric.

The Croats needs to beat the group winner to earn a play-off place and Baric is glad he can welcome Igor Tudor and Dado Prso back to the squad after injury.

"It is a great relief to have both of them completely ready for our decisive game," added Baric.

Croatia, will be without Stjepan Tomas and Josip Simunic because of suspension, as well as midfielder Niko Kovac, but know that victory against Bulgaria would give them a chance of making the finals in Portugal next summer.

Full Croatia squad:

Stipe Pletikosa (Shakhtar Donetsk), Tomislav Butina (Club Bruges), Dario Simic (Milan), Igor Tudor (Juventus), Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich), Boris Zivkovic (Portsmouth), Mario Tokic (GAK Graz), Mato Neretljak (Hajduk Split), Milan Rapaic (un attached), Igor Biscan (Liverpool), Jurica Vranjes (Stuttgart), Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Giovanni Rosso (Maccabi Haifa), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Marijo Maric (Kaernten), Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow), Ivica Mornar (Anderlecht), Dado Prso (Monaco), Mladen Petric (Grasshoppers), Zoran Zekic (Kamen Ingrad).