Slovenia`s hopes of reaching the Women EuroBasket 2007 finals have been boosted by the news that Daliborka Jokic will return from her international exile.

The 25-year-old, widely regarded as Slovenia`s best player, had been prevented from taking part in the last two qualifying matches by her domestic side Germano Zama Faenza.

But now, having come to an agreement with the Italian side, 1.85m ace is raring to go for the upcoming clashes with Poland and Finland.

She said: "I skipped the last two qualifiers because the club advised me not to play for the national team in order to prepare better for the club season.

"This year the situation is different. I have a new two-year contract in my pocket and I have decided to help my country."

Whether she makes any difference, however, remains to be seen, but Jokic is confident Slovenia can still make the championships.

"First we will play four tough matches against Finland and Poland. It will not be easy, but I am confident we can make it.

"The girls played very good in the first part of the qualifications and I am sure we are capable of making a big step forward," she said.

"I know only one team from each group advances to the qualifying finals and only one team from there will travel to Italy, but if I would not believe in me and my team, I would not have decided to return to the national team."

Slovenia have never reached Division A, but coach Zrinski is confident things could change.

He said: "We have a very young team that is - with proper work - surely capable of reaching the final stage.

"It is very important that we are patient with the talented team we have. We must also do everything possible to keep the great atmosphere that we have in our team."