SPORTS

Kapino, the youngest ever Greece squad member

Stefanos Kapino has become the youngest ever player to be invited to the national team, as coach Fernando Santos decided to give the 17-year-old Panathinaikos keeper a chance.

The Portuguese manager announced on November 4 his squad for the friendly games against Russia on November 11 and Romania four days later, which serve as preparation ahead of the Euro 2012 finals in June.

Kapino was the national Under-19 keeper and last month became a regular at Panathinaikos due to the departure of Alexis Tzorvas to Palermo, the injury to Stefanos Kotsolis and the suspension of Orestis Karnezis. He has not missed a minute of competitive action for the Greens since then.

The new squad also includes German-born Jose Holebas, who last week secured his Greek citizenship. The Olympiakos left-back is likely to make his Greece debut in the game against Russia at the Karaiskaki Stadium.

Santos further brought back Atromitos striker Costas Mitroglou, one of the Super League?s top scorers.

As for the friendly against Romania, it remains unclear where it will be staged, following Germany?s decision not to host it at Reutilngen. Austria and Cyprus are now the most likely locations for the match.

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