Brazil coach Dunga called seven rookies on Tuesday to participate in a friendly game against the Irish team slated for February 6, in an attempt to prepare the squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

"As we will not have time to play many friendlies, it will be nice to watch these players to gather some experience," said Dunga.

 

When asked whether all the rookies will actually play in the first-choice team, he stressed that all of the players drafted "are ready to play" and that he would have them in the field "as much as possible."

 

The seven newcomers are Milan's striker Alexandre Pato, Schalke 04's wingback Rafinha, Bayern Munich's defender Breno, Internacional's goalkeeper Renan and midfielders Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Richarlyson (Sao Paulo) and Thiago Neves (Fluminense).

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2008)