Piplica signs new Energie deal

BUNDESLIGA strugglers Energie Cottbus have been given a boost before they resume their battle against relegation with the news that goalkeeper Tomislav Piplica has signed an extension to his contract.

The 32-year old Bosnian international will now remain at the Friendship Stadium until June 2004 - if Energie are relegated then the new two-year deal is also valid for the Second Division.

"We are extremely happy that a leading player such as Tomislav Piplica has committed himself to the club," beamed Cottbus' general manager Klaus Stabach, who hopes that the goalkeeper's signature will be the first of several over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Cottbus have been dealt a blow with the news that they will have to do without Hungarian defender

Vilmos Sebok when the Bundesliga season resumes on January 26. The 28-year old suffered a ligament injury after colliding with team-mate Bruno Akrapovic at the club's winter training camp in Dubai and will be out of action for four weeks.