Latvian team leadership revealed the squad selection for the training camp ahead of the UEFA Nations League C campaign. The roster features several diaspora players, with the most notable addition being defender Deniss Cirkins, who will participate in the first two of the tournament’s four opening matches, according to Lsm.
Squad Announcement and Diaspora Additions
Head coach Paolo Nicolato’s squad contains 26 candidates, including six footballers who have yet to make their senior international debut. Among the newcomers is the 24-year-old Cirkins, who currently plays in England’s second tier, the Championship, for Queens Park Rangers. Joining him are Bohemians FC midfielder Markuss Strods from Ireland and IFK Norrköping forward Alberts Aleksanjans, a Latvian-born ethnic Armenian who grew up in Norway and plays in Sweden’s second tier.
Cirkins Chooses Latvia After International Eligibility Choice
Cirkins had the opportunity to contend for a place with the Republic of Ireland and England national teams, but ultimately chose to represent Latvia, bringing deep satisfaction to head coach Nicolato. Speaking to Latvian Television, Cirkins described his choice and feelings about the switch.
Of course, this is a serious decision about changing football citizenship. I followed what my heart says, so I am here. This is a different kind of feeling that cannot be compared to playing in a club. Receiving a call-up and getting the opportunity to represent your country raises a sense of pride. I am thrilled for the opportunity to be here. Deniss Cirkins, Defender, Queens Park Rangers
Although born in Ireland, Cirkins has now secured all necessary clearances to transition from the English football system to the Latvian national team. Last season, the defender represented Premier League club Sunderland before moving to QPR in the Championship for the current campaign, as reported by Lsm.
Managing a Brutal Nations League Schedule
Latvia faces an unusually congested fixture schedule, requiring four matches in just 11 days under Nicolato’s direction.
Valstsvienības galvenā trenera Paolo Nikolato vadīto komandu gaida neierasti saspringts spēļu posms – 11 dienās jāaizvada četri mači. Pirmajām divām spēlēm sekos tikšanās “Skonto” stadionā 2. oktobrī ar Melnkalni un izbraukuma spēle 5. oktobrī pret Kipru.
Because Cirkins started his club season five weeks ago, the technical staff limited his participation to the first two fixtures to protect him from burnout. Head coach Paolo Nicolato explained regarding the workload that he thought it was the correct solution because they had to protect the player, noting that Cirkins had started his season five weeks ago and that four matches in a row would be too much for him now. Teammate and Riga FC defender Antonijs Černomordijs emphasized that every squad member will play a vital role due to the packed calendar, noting that with such a short cycle and necessary recovery between games, everyone understands they will have an opportunity to step up and give everything to win.
Training Camp Opens in Advance of Armenia Clash
Not all called-up players were available immediately; injured midfielders Eduards Dašķevičs and Jānis Ikaunieks attended with the squad but sat out the opening session while their readiness is evaluated in the coming days.
The full roster features goalkeepers Rihards Matrevics (RFS), Nils Toms Puriņš (Auda), and Frenks Dāvids Orols (Riga FC). The defensive unit includes Roberts Savaļnieks (RFS), Andrejs Cigaņiks (Luzern), Raivis Andris Jurkovskis, Antonijs Černomordijs, Maksims Toņiševs (all Riga FC), Daniels Balodis (Auda), Deniss Meļņiks (Falkirk), Oskars Vientiess (Teplice), Deniss Cirkins (Queens Park Rangers), and Oskars Rubenis (Auda).
Midfielders named to the camp are Aleksejs Saveļjevs (Asia Talas), Eduards Emsis (Super Nova), Eduards Dašķevičs (Auda), Dmitrijs Zelenkovs (RFS), Lūkass Vapne (Sogndal), Kristaps Grabovskis (Dila), Gļebs Žaleiko (FS Jelgava), Danila Patijčuks (FK Liepāja), and Markuss Strods (Bohemians). The attacking options comprise Jānis Ikaunieks (RFS), Vladislavs Gutkovskis (Arka Gdynia), Roberts Uldriķis (Heerenveen), and Alberts Aleksanjans (Norrköping).
Departure and Match Broadcast Details
The Latvian delegation will fly out to their opening fixture on Thursday. Piektdien Latvijas futbola izlase ar pirmo maču izbraukumā pret Armēniju atklās UEFA Nāciju līgas turnīru. The UEFA Nations League opening match against Armenia is scheduled to kick off on Friday at 19.00 Latvian time, with live television coverage provided on LTV7 and the LSM.lv portal.