Inileev’s Youth Policy

Uzbekistan are currently in a rebuilding phase – in which the older generation of players, such as iconic midfielder Mirdjalal Kasimov, have since retired from interrnational matches. Inileev previously coached the Olympic team before his appointment as national team coach in 2006.

Under his charge, Inileev has successfully combined a mix of youth and experience in the team.

In midfield, Server Djeparov has taken over much of the creative duties from Kasimov while in defence Aziz Ibragimov has developed a solid defensive partnership alongside experienced Hayrulla Karimov and Aleksey Nikolaev.

With the policy on youth in mind, Inileev has continued to blood a group of young players for the match against Lebanon next Wednesday.

The new faces in the team include winger Vagiz Galiullin, 20, and 21-year-old striker Farhod Tadjiyev. Veteran player Vyacheslav Ponomarev has been recalled to add some experience in what looks to be a youthful side that Inileev has selected.

Confident of Lebanon Win

The 58-year-old is confident that his new-look squad can kick off their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a victory over Lebanon.

He said: "Lebanon are a well organised and strong team as they proved by progressing to the third round of the qualifying campaign. We may have a young team. However, I am confident we will win the game as long as we perform properly."

The Uzbekistan boss, however, will be missing star player Alexander Geynrikh. The Pakhtakor forward has not been called up to the training camp in Turkey because he is sealing a transfer to Russian Premier League side Torpedo Moscow.

Geynrikh, 23, impressed during last year’s Asian Cup and helped his side clinch a 3-0 win over China that sent them through to the knockout phase at the expense of their more illustrious opponents.

"Our Asian Cup hero is targeting on a move to Moscow Torpedo and coach [Rauf] Inileev decided that it would be better for him to complete the deal rather than spending time in the training camp," said Alisher Nikimbaev, head of the national team’s administration.