Ecuador name uncapped forward Cortez for World Cup qualifiers

Rio de Janeiro, March 14: Ecuador coach Gustavo Quinteros has named uncapped forward Gabriel Cortez in his squad for the team's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Colombia later this month.

The 21-year-old was part of the Independiente del Valle team that reached the final of last year's Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition, reports Xinhua news agency.

Quinteros also included Swansea City midfielder Jefferson Montero, Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia and Everton forward Enner Valencia in his 24-man squad.

Ecuador will meet Paraguay on March 23 before hosting Colombia in Quito five days later.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Esteban Dreer, Alexander Dominguez, Máximo Banguera.

Defenders: Juan Carlos Paredes, Mario Pineida, Gabriel Achilier, Arturo Mina, Luis Caicedo, Robert Arboleda, Wálter Ayovi, Christian Ramirez.

Midfielders: Antonio Valencia, Ángel Mena, Christian Noboa, Pedro Quinonez, Jefferson Orejuela, Matias Oyola, Jefferson Montero.

Forwards: Marcos Caicedo, Fidel Martínez, Felipe Caicedo, Enner Valencia, Miler Bolanos, Gabriel Cortez.