Manchev recalled to Bulgaria squad

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SOFIA, Bulgaria -- Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov has recalled Valladolid striker Vladimir Manchev to his squad for their Euro 2008 qualifier with Albania on March 28.

The 29-year-old Manchev, who has scored three goals in 19 internationals, was part of Bulgaria's squad at the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.

Stoichkov, who named 12 foreign-based players to a squad he will top up with players from the domestic championship next week, is deprived of Atletico Madrid winger Martin Petrov, who is recovering a torn left knee ligament.

Bulgaria will also be without former captain Stilian Petrov after the Aston Villa midfielder announced his retirement from international football in October.

Bulgaria are second in Group G with eight points from four matches, two points behind leaders the Netherlands.

Bulgaria Squad (only overseas players):

Goalkeeper: Dimitar Ivankov (Kayserispor)

Midfielders: Radostin Kishishev (Charlton), Marian Hristov (Wolfsburg), Chavdar Yankov (Hanover), Georgi Peev (Amkar Perm), Blagoy Georgiev (Red Star Belgrade), Zdravko Lazarov (Erciyesspor), Zoran Yankovic (Dalian Shide)

Strikers: Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham), Valeri Bozhinov (Juventus), Svetoslav Todorov (Portsmouth), Vladimir Manchev (Valladolid).

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