Defender Albright replaces Hejduk in US World Cup squad

HARTFORD, Connecticut, May 4 (Reuters) Los Angeles Galaxy defender Chris Albright will replace injured Frankie Hejduk in the US squad for the World Cup.

Columbus Crew's Hejduk, a member of the 1998 and 2002 World Cup squads, suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the weekend.

''I deeply regret having to replace Frankie Hejduk on the roster,'' said US coach Bruce Arena in a statement.

''Frankie's been a great member of the national team program for many years. Unfortunately, this last-minute injury has forced us to make a change.'' A converted forward, Albright, 27, has one goal in 19 appearances for the US These will be his first finals.

The US begin a training camp on May 10 in Cary, North Carolina, before playing friendlies against Morocco on May 23, Venezuela on May 26 and Latvia on May 28.

They leave for Germany on June 1 and will be based in Hamburg.

The team will play on June 12 in Group E against the Czech Republic, and face Italy on June 17 and Ghana on June 22.

REUTERS AY PC1810