EURO 2008 INFO

MARIUS Niculae believes his recall to the Romanian national squad has proved the doubters wrong and vindicated his decision to sign for Caley Thistle last summer.

The 26-year-old finally ended a near two-year stint in the international wilderness when he was included in the Romanian squad for the friendly against Russia in Bucharest on Wednesday, 26th March. 

National coach Victor Piturca had, last month, sent one of his coaching staff to take in Niculae’s performances for Inverness at both Hibs and Celtic — a game which he scored in.

With Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu, formerly of Chelsea, currently struggling to overcome a knee injury, Niculae has been given a chance to impress ahead of Euro 2008 where Romania have been drawn in the same group as France, Italy and Holland. 

Niculae’s surprise arrival at Inverness last July was hailed as a major coup given he had previously played for the likes of Dinamo Bucharest and Sporting Lisbon, while winning 28 caps for Romania and scoring 12 goals. 

He is now sure, however, that the decision to join the Highland Capital side and ply his trade in the SPL has been proved correct, although he is also well aware that the hard work is only now beginning. 

“Ever since I came here I have always said that if I perform well enough in the SPL then I might get a recall to the national team and then perhaps have a chance of going to Euro 2008,” said Niculae, who was last capped by Romania against Colombia in May 2006. 

“The idea was that I help Inverness and they help me and I think that now I’ve got back into the Romanian squad then it has justified my move here last year. 

“It’s been hard to get back into the squad, but I know that for me the hard work is only just beginning because I’ve got to prove that I’m worth my place in the squad. 

“The coach has already said that he will only select the players who have been showing the best form for their club and not necessarily those who helped Romania qualify for Euro 2008, so that is good for me. 

“There’s no doubt that it’s a big opportunity for me and if I get a chance to play then I’ll be giving it maximum effort. 

“However, before that game I have two big games for Caley Thistle and that is what I am most focused on. Hopefully, I can even score a few goals.” 

Niculae’s inclusion in the Romanian squad was confirmed in a fax sent to manager Craig Brewster on Tuesday and he is delighted that the club will be represented on the international stage by another player after Richard Hastings was once more called up by Canada for a friendly in Estonia at the end of the month as well. 

“It’s obviously an honour for both Marius and Richard to be picked for their countries, but it’s also great for the club,” added Brewster. “It is not many clubs outwith Rangers and Celtic who get two players called up for international duty. It’s now up to them to try and do well.” 

After being idle last weekend due to Scottish Cup ties, Caley Thistle return to action tomorrow with Falkirk the visitors to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium in what is a must-win game if they are to keep alive their ambitions of a top six finish. 

Inverness defeated the Bairns 4-2 last time out in the Highland Capital and Brewster would love to see a repeat of that performance this weekend. 

“That was probably our best performance over 90 minutes since I came back to the club,” said Brewster, who has no injury worries ahead of tomorrow’s encounter. “I thought we were excellent that day and hopefully we can produce something like that again on Saturday. 

“Our home record has been very good and most of the time the supporters have gone away happy. I’m just hoping that will be the case come full-time against Falkirk.” 

Meanwhile, Brewster is hopeful the protracted contract negotiations involving Russell Duncan and Dennis Wyness will be concluded in the “next day or so”. 

He maintains that Caley Thistle are now close to securing the services of both players, despite recent reports that Duncan could well be heading for the exit. 

“There has been movement with regards to Russell Duncan and we are now close to agreeing a deal with both him and Dennis Wyness,” added Brewster.

“It has dragged on a bit, but they are two players who have helped get the club to where it is today, so I’m keen to keep them here.”