VIENNA: Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Baumgartlinger was named new captain of Austria on Tuesday ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia. Baumgartlinger, 28, takes over the skipper’s armband from Christian Fuchs, who was part of Leicester’s English Premier League-winning squad last season before announcing his retirement after Euro 2016. After a faultless display in qualifying for the Euros, Austria failed to shine in France, eliminated after finishing last in their group after defeats by Hungary (2-0) and Iceland (2-1), and a scoreless draw with Portugal. The Austrians kick off their qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia away to Georgia on Monday.