Ukraine includes 45-year-old retired goalkeeper in squad to face France after three other stoppers tested positive for COVID-19

 Ukraine has included 45-year-old retired goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy in the squad for Wednesday's friendly against France after three other keepers tested positive for COVID-19. 

 

Shovkovskiy, who made around 90 appearances for Ukraine before his retirement in 2016, is currently assistant to head coach Andriy Shevchenko.

 

The country's football federation (UAF) said in a statement that he is in “good physical shape” and will provide emergency backup to Georgiy Bushchan, currently, the team's only fit goalkeeper.

 

A statement from the Ukraine FA said: "Oleksandr Shovkovskiy ended his professional career as a player in December 2016, but keeps himself in good physical shape, constantly conducting individual training.

Ukraine has included 45-year-old retired goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy in the squad for Wednesday's friendly against France after three other keepers tested positive for COVID-19. 

 

Shovkovskiy, who made around 90 appearances for Ukraine before his retirement in 2016, is currently assistant to head coach Andriy Shevchenko.

 

The country's football federation (UAF) said in a statement that he is in “good physical shape” and will provide emergency backup to Georgiy Bushchan, currently, the team's only fit goalkeeper.

 

A statement from the Ukraine FA said: "Oleksandr Shovkovskiy ended his professional career as a player in December 2016, but keeps himself in good physical shape, constantly conducting individual training.