Nik gets Greek call

Michopoulos's form has earnt him a Greece recall

Burnley goalkeeper Nikos Michopoulos has been called up into the Greek national squad for their forthcoming friendly matches against Romania and Cyprus.

The 32-year-old has won 13 caps for Greece and will now be looking to add to that tally.

Michopoulos arrived at Turf Moor from PAOK Salonika in August 2000 and has made 79 appearances for the Clarets since the switch.

It is great for me, for Greece and for Burnley

Nik Michopoulos

Greece have not qualified for this year's World Cup losing in England's group.

Michopoulos said of the honour: "It is great for me, for Greece and for Burnley."

Michopoulos had been tipped for a place in the Greek squad earlier this season and could have faced David Beckham's memorable last-gasp free-kick at Old Trafford.

He had already returned home following Burnley's disappointing end to the season when Stan Ternent's side missed the First Division play-offs by one goal.

Greece play Romania, who have also failed to qualify for Korea and Japan, on 12 May in Alexandroupoli.

The Greeks then meet Cyprus in Rhodes three days later on 15 May.

Coincidentally, Michopoulo's first international cap for Greece back in 1994 was also against Cyprus.

The last time the veteran stopper played for his country was in October 1999 while at PAOK Salonika.