Laursen back in Denmark fold
Monday, September 25, 2006
Article summary
Martin Laursen has been recalled to the Denmark squad following an 18-month absence for the Group F qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Liechtenstein.
Article body
Martin Laursen has been recalled to the Denmark squad after a long absence for next month's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F fixtures against Northern Ireland and Liechtenstein.
Hard work rewarded
The 29-year-old Aston Villa FC defender has not represented his country since March 2005 due to a succession of injuries, but was among 19 names announced by coach Morten Olsen for the home game against Northern Ireland on 7 October and the trip to Liechtenstein four days later. "It is fantastic that Martin Laursen has reached this level so soon," said Olsen. "It has been a nice surprise to see him already at an international level with his club performances this season. I am delighted for him that the strength and determination he has shown to come through a difficult period are proving to have been worth it." Laursen managed only 13 appearances in his first two seasons with Villa following a summer 2004 move from AC Milan, before returning to action this term.
Denmark squad
Goalkeepers: Jesper Christiansen (FC København), Thomas Sørensen (Aston Villa FC).
Defenders: Daniel Agger (Liverpool FC), Jan Kristiansen (1. FC Nürnberg), Lars Jacobsen (FC København), Martin Laursen (Aston Villa FC), Michael Gravgaard (FC København), Niclas Jensen (Fulham FC), Thomas Helveg (VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach).
Midfielders: Christian Poulsen (Sevilla FC), Claus Jensen (Fulham FC), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Rasmus Würtz (Aalborg BK), Thomas Kahlenberg (AJ Auxerre).
Forwards: Dennis Rommedahl (Charlton Athletic FC), Jon Dahl Tomasson (VfB Stuttgart), Martin Jørgensen (ACF Fiorentina), Nicklas Bendtner (Birmingham City FC), Peter Løvenkrands (FC Schalke 04).
