The Bunyodkor midfielder’s form is under scrutiny and he has not scored for the national team since Uzbekistan’s 3-0 win over Lebanon in round three qualifying action in June 2008.

But this has not stopped coach Mirdjalol Kasimov from appointing him as captain in place of ineffective striker Maksim Shatskikh who has been dropped altogether from the 23-man squad.

Djeparov’s first test is a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 1 before they host former Asian champions Japan five days later in a crucial qualifier.

The Uzbeks, who are fourth in Group A with four points, are in an unenviable position after their 2-0 defeat to Australia in the last qualifier.

Their hopes of qualifying directly are bleak and they need wins against Japan as well as Bahrain (June 17) to stay alive. But they cannot entertain hopes of finishing third and have a shy at the play-offs unless other group results go their way.

No doubt concerned by Uzbekistan’s leaky defences, Kasimov has sought to beef up the wall by including stoppers Vladimir Radkevich, who is making a comeback to the national team fold after three years, and Hamza Karimov in the line-up. Marat Bikamaev is another choice available for a striking role.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ignatiy Nesterov, Mikhail Naumov, Timur Juraev

Defenders: Anvar Gofurov, Anzur Ismoilov, Artyom Filiposyan, Sakhob Juraev, Islom Tukhtakhujaev, Vladimir Radkevich, Islom Inomov, Ilkhomjon Suyunov, Hamza Karimov

Midfielders: Odil Akhmedov, Timur Kapadze, Jasur Khasanov, Server Djeparov, Aziz Khaydarov, Stanislav Andreev, Sherzod Karimov

Forwards: Farkhod Tadjiev, Marat Bikmaev, Shakhboz Erkinov, Anvar Soliev.