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POLAND WAIT ON BROZEK
Brozek - could miss out for Poland.
Striker Pawel Brozek is doubtful to start in Poland's opening World Cup qualifier against Slovenia at the Slaski stadium on Saturday.
Brozek, who was looking for a chance to become a permanent feature at the head of the Polish attack after an impressive start to his league campaign, sustained an injury to his right leg playing for his club Wisla Krakow last weekend.
The 25-year-old has made only a handful of appearances and scored just one goal for his country since making his debut against Mexico in 2005.
His recent club form, however, which has seen him score four goals in as many matches, has earned him the chance to prove his worth on the international stage.
Marek Saganowski has been called up to the squad as a replacement should Brozek's injury prove serious.
Also looking to capitalise on Brozek's possible absence is youngster Robert Lewandowski.
The 20-year-old has only played eight senior games for club side Lech Pznan but has sufficiently impressed head coach Leo Beenhakker to have won a place in his squad.
Poland will though also be without Dariusz Dudka, Radoslaw Majewski and Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boric.
The trio were dropped by Beenhakker as punishment for breaking curfew following Augusts 1-0 defeat to Ukraine.
Saturday's other Group Three game sees Northern Ireland travel to Bratislava to play Slovakia, who are without injured striker Filip Holosko and midfielder Stanislav Sestak.
Slovakia boss Vladimir Wiess has put his faith in inexperienced midfielder Branislav Obzera and MFK Kosice forward Jan Novak, who only have four international caps between them.
Nigel Worthington's side will be looking to lone striker David Healy to provide the goal threat, while they have also been boosted by Chris Baird's return.
Sunderland striker Healy scored 13 goals during qualifying for Euro 2008 and Worthington revealed he is looking for a similar return this time round.
"I would imagine David would be chasing something similar to his previous record. He has set himself a hell of a target," said Worthington
"It is something he enjoys doing, scoring goals, especially for his country. Lets hope he can get off the mark tomorrow."
Czech Republic and San Marino are the other two teams in the group, although they are not in action on Saturday.
