AUSTRIA goalkeeper Jurgen Macho pushed his claim to the Euro 2008 co-host's number one jersey this summer as he returned from a injury-induced six-month international exile in a 1-1 draw with Nigeria on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper had not played for his country since being concussed in last November's friendly defeat to England.
However, he returned for the friendly in Graz ahead of Siena's Alex Manninger following the news that Helge Payer, who was expected to be coach Josef Hickerberger's first choice, has been ruled out of the tournament due to illness.
The 28-year-old Rapid Vienna goalkeeper was diagnosed with partially blocked veins in the stomach on Tuesday and requires an urgent operation to fix the problem.
It was disheartening news for the Austrians on the eve of their friendly against Nigeria. However, they quickly grabbed the lead when striker Roman Kienast struck after 13 minutes.
The 24-year-old struck a low shot from 18 yards after Roland Linz had backheeled the ball into his path.
Nigeria were level six minutes later when Kalu Uche exchanged passes with Yakubu before scoring from the edge of the area.
Macho then denied Yakubu on the stroke of half-time to keep the scores level.
Super Eagles coach Shaibu Amodu then brought on Yakubu's Everton team-mate Victor Anichebe for his senior international debut. However, it was the hosts who came closest to a winner after the break - Erwin Hoffer hitting a post in the 48th minute.
Austria will play their final warm-up match ahead of the European Championships against Malta on Friday.
Their opening match of Euro 2008 is against Croatia on June 8.
ends
However, he returned for the friendly in Graz ahead of Siena's Alex Manninger following the news that Helge Payer, who was expected to be coach Josef Hickerberger's first choice, has been ruled out of the tournament due to illness.
The 28-year-old Rapid Vienna goalkeeper was diagnosed with partially blocked veins in the stomach on Tuesday and requires an urgent operation to fix the problem.
It was disheartening news for the Austrians on the eve of their friendly against Nigeria. However, they quickly grabbed the lead when striker Roman Kienast struck after 13 minutes.
The 24-year-old struck a low shot from 18 yards after Roland Linz had backheeled the ball into his path.
Nigeria were level six minutes later when Kalu Uche exchanged passes with Yakubu before scoring from the edge of the area.
Macho then denied Yakubu on the stroke of half-time to keep the scores level.
Super Eagles coach Shaibu Amodu then brought on Yakubu's Everton team-mate Victor Anichebe for his senior international debut. However, it was the hosts who came closest to a winner after the break - Erwin Hoffer hitting a post in the 48th minute.
Austria will play their final warm-up match ahead of the European Championships against Malta on Friday.
Their opening match of Euro 2008 is against Croatia on June 8.
ends
Copyright (c) Press Association
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