Prior to the training session, the assistant coach Gordan Ciprić, the national team players Ibrahim Šehić and Goran Zakarić, addressed the media.

Ciprić talked about health conditions:

“We had a lot of not surely available players due to injuries, mostly defensive ones. Vranješ and Bičakčić will certainly not play. Nastić now receive magnetic resonance results today, Čivić also complained of injury. We’ll see in the next two days what the situation is like, but it’s generally much better today than yesterday.”

The assistant of Robert Prosinečki points out that despite several absences due to injuries, the team will not change the game system:

“I do not think there will be a need to change the game system, and we should not even adapt to anyone. Our ambitions are no less, nevertheless two players are injured. Our constant goal is to qualify for the European Championship and we will search for positive results. We have quality and it is up to us to show it on the field.”

Ibrahim Šehić says on the upcoming matches:

“It will be two different matches. I watched the Northern Ireland before and they are not a classic English team that only plays long balls. However, they are dangerous from interruptions. They are fighting, especially when they play at home. I believe that we will be properly prepared as always. Austria is a strong team and we expect two interesting matches.”

Goran Zakarić expects positive results:

“I’m glad to be re-invited to the national team, and the head coach will decide whether I will play. It’s up to me to work and I’m glad I’m in good shape, and I am always at the disposal to the national team and the head coach. I’m ready to give the maximum and hope for good results. We expect a difficult job in both matches, but I believe in a good outcome for us.”

The players will be available to media representatives for statements at the “Austria” Hotel in Ilidža also tomorrow at 16:15 h, and at 17:00 h they will conduct a training session.