Meanwhile, coach Otto Pfister says he will speak to Lauren in an attempt to persuade the Portsmouth defender to resume his international career.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

New coach Otto Pfister will want as much time as possible to work with his players, many of whom he has yet to meet.

BBC: Barca want to hold on to Eto'o for another week

The 45-year-old Frenchman -- who will lead the side known as the 'Indomitable Lions' for the first time against Austria -- follows in the footsteps of Winfried Schafer, Artur Jorge, Arie Haan and latterly Otto Pfister to become the African nations fifth European coach since 2004.

CNN: Is Le Guen the best man for Cameroon?