Denisov happy in Russia set-up

Krasnodar (Russia), Nov 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia football captain Igor Denisov said he is happy with the national team and completely focused on their friendly with the United States.

Coach Fabio Capello retained Denisov as captain when he spent six weeks exiled to the reserves at his club side Zenit St. Petersburg following a pay dispute with management in September.

“The mood’s excellent, the atmosphere in the squad great. I’m only thinking about the upcoming match with the US,” he said Tuesday.

“I get great pleasure for being in the national team.”

Russia coach Fabio Capello suggested he would pick debutants for the game in the southern city of Krasnodar, and Denisov said the new faces had no trouble fitting in.

“All these guys are playing great football. They’ve adapted very quickly,” he said.

“Maybe we’ll see them on the pitch tomorrow. It all depends on head coach Fabio Capello.”

Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev could debut Wednesday as could FC Kuban goalkeeper Alexander Belenov, Dynamo Moscow defender Vladimir Granat, Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Magomed Ozdoev, Lokomotiv forward Maxim Grigoryev and Dynamo striker Fyodor Smolov, on loan at Anzhi Makhachkala.

—IANS/RIA Novosti

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IANS 2012-11-14 12:26:27