Embattled Ribbeck seeks help from teen star Deisler

Under fire German coach Erich Ribbeck has turned to young Hertha Berlin star Sebastian Deisler but again ignored the claims of Tho mas Hassler in his latest squad.

Germany are looking to overtake Turkey at the top of Group Three and face Finland in Helsinki on September 4th before a home tie four days later against Northern Ireland.

Ribbeck was struck by a storm of press abuse last month after a dismal showing in the Confederations Cup but recent German form in Euro 2000 has been good.

The coach has ignored captain Oliver Bierhoff's calls to reinstate Thomas Hassler who moved to TSV 1860 Munich in the summer. Instead young star Diesler is given the chance to play his way into the German midfield. New Middlesbrough signing Christian Ziege has been recalled after a year's absence following the last World Cup. Former Milan flop Ziege gas started the Premiership season in excellent form for 'Boro.

The squad in full -

Goalkeepers - Lehmann and Butt.

Defenders - Babbel, Linke, Woerns, Matthaeus and Nowotny.

Midfielders - Zeige, Deisler, Nerlinger, Schneider, Jeremies, Scholl and Strunz

Strikers - Kirsten, Bierhoff, Bode and Neuville.