Petric and Klasnic left out of Croatia squad

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Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has dropped veteran international strikers Mladen Petric and Ivan Klasnic from the squad for next month's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

"It was hard to leave them out but it's part of the job," Bilic told a news conference on Thursday. "They are quality players who have done a lot for our side. Unfortunately, they are strikers, the one part of our team where we have the best options so there was simply no room for them."

Klasnic, 32, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2007, had a disappointing season at Bolton wanderers, while Petric, 31, was also plagued by injuries and poor form at German side Hamburg.

Bilic is likely to pair in-form Everton striker Nikica Jelavic and Wolfsburg's Mario Mandzukic up front. Two other stalwarts, Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic and Brazilian-born Eduardo of Shakhtar, have not played regularly this season.

"This is my last tournament. After this, I shall certainly no longer be the national coach. But before that, we must focus on the big job that's coming up," Bilic said.

"With all due respect I feel for them, we want to start the tournament with three points. They are our chance," Bilic said.

"They are tough, strong, well-organised and defend very well. The only surprise could be if Trapattoni made them more offensive. But that would only make us happier," Bilic said.