PORTERFIELD BATTLES TO LEAD ARMENIA
UEFA, Switzerland
Aug 15 2007
Having named his squad for the qualifier Coach Ian Porterfield is
hoping to lead Armenia against Portugal despite currently receiving
cancer treatment in England.
Cancer treatment The 61-year-old Scotsman left Armenia two months
ago to receive treatment for a cancerous growth in his intestines
but said that he is determined to return to the Armenian capital for
Wednesday’s game as his side seek a third successive UEFA EURO 2008~Y
qualifying win.
"I want to be with my team and to try to fight against such strong
opponents despite everything," he said. "Portugal are one of the
leading forces in European football but can play our game."
Porterfield’s 22-man squad includes two changes, with FC Ararat
defender Hrajr Mkoyan receiving a first call-up while FC MIKA
goalkeeper Felix Hakobyan replaces the injured Gevorg Kasparov.
Armenia squad Goalkeepers: Roman Berezovski (FC Khimki), Felix Hakobyan
(FC MIKA).
Defenders: Robert Arzumanyan (FC Pyunik), Karen Dokhoyan (FC Pyunik),
Sargis Hovsepyan (FC Pyunik), Aleksander Tadevosyan (FC Pyunik),
Vahagn Minasyan (FC Ararat Yerevan), Hrajr Mkoyan (FC Ararat Yerevan),
Yegishe Melikyan (FC Banants), Ararat Arakelyan (FC Banants).
Midfielders: Hamlet Mkhitaryan (FC Pyunik), Romik Khachatryan (AFC
Unirea Valahorum Urziceni), Artavazd Karamyan (FCU Politehnica
Timisoara), Levon Pchajyan (FC Pyunik), Artur Minasyan (FC Ararat
Yerevan), Artur Voskanyan (FC Ararat Yerevan), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (FC
Pyunik), Samvel Melkonyan (FC Banants), Agvan Lazarian (FC Pyunik).
Forwards: Arman Karamyan (FCU Politehnica Timisoara), Aram Hakobyan (FC
Banants), Gevorg Ghazaryan (FC Pyunik), Robert Zebelyan (FC Khimki).