Rueda names World Cup squad

11 May 2010 11:18

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda has named his 23-man World Cup squad and seven reserves in case of injuries.

Instead of naming a 30-man preliminary group, Rueda decided to reveal the 23 players to compete in South Africa next month, while seven more will be available if required.

England-based trio Wilson Palacios, Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa are part of the squad, along with experienced duo David Suazo and Carlos Pavon, while Georgie Welcome is the surprise replacement for Carlo Costly, who has suffered a foot injury which will keep him out for at least four weeks.

Rueda said: "There is no name to replace Costly because of his temper, his heart and all he gives to the national team."

However, Costly is one of the reserves alongside Kevin Hernandez, Mariano Acevedo, Jerry Palacios, Johnny Leveron, Erick Norales and Melvin Valladares.

Honduras have been drawn in Group H alongside Chile, Spain and Switzerland.

Squad: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia); Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Boniek Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense).

Edgar Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia); David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon).

Reserves: Kevin Hernandez (Real Espana), Carlo Costly (SC Valsui), Mariano Acevedo (Marathon), Jerry Palacios (Hangzhou Nabel Greentown), Johnny Leveron (Motagua), Erick Norales (Marathon), Melvin Valladares (Real Espana).

Source: PA