Controversial manager Diego Armando Maradona has named his squad for Argentina's upcoming friendly against Costa Rica.

Maradona's 18-man selection is comprised almost entirely of domestically based players, as has been for past friendlies against both Panama and Ghana. Apparently, Maradona's dedication to developing a national "B" team has not died down even while mere months from this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

The mercurial coach has handed eight players their first call-up for the Jan. 26 match in Cordoba. Among them are Guillermo Burdisso, younger brother of Roma and national team defender Nicolas Burdisso, Jonatan Cristaldo, who featured in the disappointing squad that failed to qualify for September's u-20 World Cup in Egypt, and Estudiantes standout Mauro Boselli. Others to earn their first cap with the Albicelestes are Nelson Ibanez, Gaston Diaz, Franco Razzotti, Carlos Matheu, and Walter Ervitti.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Nelson Ibanez (Godoy Cruz), Cristian Campestrini (Arsenal)

Defenders: Matias Caruzzo (Argentinos Juniors), Luciano Monzon (Boca Juniors), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Guillermo Burdisso (Rosario Central), Gaston Diaz (Velez Sarsfield), Carlos Matheu (Independiente)

Midfielders: Gabriel Hauche (Argentinos Juniors), Federico Insua (Boca Juniors), Enzo Perez (Estudiantes), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Franco Razzotti (Velez Sarsfield), Walter Ervitti (Banfield)

Forwards: Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Nicolas Gaitan (Boca Juniors), Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes), Jonathan Cristaldo (Velez Sarsfield)