Ex-QPR Danny Shittu Recalled by Nigeria

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BBC - Shittu accepts Nigeria recall By Oluwashina Okeleji

Danny Shittu says he wants to play for Nigeria again
Watford defender Danny Shittu says he will accept his recall to the Nigeria squad after a two-year absence.
The 26-year-old was last invited to play for Nigeria against Angola in a 2006 World Cup qualifier, although he did not play in the match.

Nigeria's German coach Berti Vogts has included Shittu in his 23-strong squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on 2 June.

"I'll be very happy to play for Nigeria once again," Shittu told BBC Sport.

Shittu has played in three friendlies for Nigeria in the bulid-up to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea,

Vogts has been impressed with Shittu's recent performances for English club Watford, despite them being relegated from the Premierhsip two weeks ago.

"Shittu has been in good form and it is important to give him a chance to prove himself," Berti Vogts said.

"I have watched some of his games and I think he has a lot to offer the team.

"He plays in one of the toughest leagues in Europe so he's highly experienced."

Another player returning to the international fold is Middlesbrough striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who missed the last game in March due to suspension.

The players are expected to meet in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi for a training camp, although no date has been confirmed yet.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Bnei-Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Bastia, France), Dele Aiyenugba (Enyimba), Chijioke Ejiogu (Dolphin)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Obinna Nwaneri (FC Sion, Switzerland), Rabiu Afolabi (Sochaux, France), Mutiu Adegoke (Asec Mimosas, Ivory Coast), Danny Shittu (Watford, England), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France)

Midfielders: Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Sani Kaita (Sparta Rotterdam, Holland), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Mikel Jon Obi (Chelsea, England), Onyekachi Okonkwo (Orlando Pirates, South Africa),

Forwards: Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lille, France), John Utaka (Rennes, France), Victor Anichebe (Everton, England) Stephen Makinwa (Lazio, Italy), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesbrough, England)

Stand-by: Isaac Okoronkwo (FC Moskva, Russia), Joseph Enakarhire (Bordeaux, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Emmanuel Okoduwa (Metalurh Donetsk, Ukraine), Paul Obiefule (Viborg, Denmark) - BBC

Also: Shittu escapes ban...Clarke Carlisle gets ban instead!

BBC -Carlisle banned after card switch

Shittu (right) was mistakenly booked instead of Carlisle (left)
Clarke Carlisle has been banned for one game by the Football Association after Danny Shittu was mistakenly booked in Watford's game with Sheffield United.
Shittu was yellow-carded by referee Martin Atkinson after Blades striker Jon Stead was brought down as he looked to break through on goal.

But the foul was committed by Carlisle who already had a booking for trying to kick the ball from the keeper's hands.

As a result, Carlisle will now miss Saturday's trip to Reading. BBC