Radoslav Kovac got a vital 90 minutes under his belt as the Czech Republic secured a goalless draw in their Casablanca friendly with Morocco on Wednesday night.
New recruit Kovac played in a holding midfield role and more than played his part in a tricky encounter that saw the African nation dominate the play. Morocco went close four times in the second half after a quiet first 45 minutes but the fact the West Ham United No14 got his first full competitive run-out since 27 November will be a big boost to the club ahead of the weekend's FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough.
Having played at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008, Kovac has every chance of playing for his country again at next summer's global finals in South Africa. The 29-year-old, on loan from Spartak Moscow with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer, has helped the Czechs to third place in qualifying Group 3, two points behind leaders Slovakia ahead of the trip to Slovenia on 28 March. He has been capped 29 times with two goals.