Manager John Toshack commented on the injuries by saying they are a big handicap for a national team of Macedonia’s caliber.

John Toshack opened today’s press conference by saying there is good atmosphere surrounding the team and he is pleased with the hard work of the players in attendance.  However, he was concerned about dealing with more injury problems once again after Goran Popov, Goran Pandev, and Nikolce Noveski have all been ruled out of the Albania friendly.  Ivan Trickovski is also unlikely to play with his injury so that is four regulars who will miss the game.

Toshack said about the injuries, “In all honesty, for a national team like ours, the injuries provide a great handicap and disturb our rhythm.”

Toshack said he will watch the four or five new players on the squad to test out their potential by Monday before deciding on a strategy for the Albania friendly on 15 November.