Rasmussen ready for Denmark

Morten 'Duncan' Rasmussen is the only new face in the Denmark squad to play Sweden and Latvia in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying next month.

Surprised
The 22-year-old Rasmussen, who earned his nickname for his similar playing style to the former Everton FC and Scotland striker Duncan Ferguson, has been a regular at youth level in recent years, taking part in last summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship. "I was a bit surprised when I got the news but, of course, I am proud," Rasmussen said. Left-back Niclas Jensen is suspended for the Sweden game in Copenhagen on 2 June although he is available for the trip to Latvia four days later. Denmark are fourth in Group F, five points behind second-placed Sweden but with a match in hand.

Denmark squad
Goalkeepers: Thomas Sørensen (Aston Villa FC), Jesper Christiansen (FC København), Stephan Andersen (Brøndby IF).

Defenders: Daniel Agger (Liverpool FC), Jan Kristiansen (1. FC Nürnberg), Kasper Bøgelund (VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach), Lars Jacobsen (FC København), Leon Andreasen (1. FSV Mainz 05), Martin Laursen (Aston Villa FC), Michael Gravgaard (FC København), Niclas Jensen (FC København).

Midfielders: Christian Poulsen (Sevilla FC), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Dennis Rommedahl (Charlton Athletic FC), Michael Silberbauer (FC København), Rasmus Würtz (Aalborg BK), Thomas Kahlenberg (AJ Auxerre).

Forwards: Dennis Sørensen (FC Midtjylland), Jesper Grønkjær (FC København), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Villarreal CF), Martin Jørgensen (ACF Fiorentina), Morten 'Duncan' Rasmussen (Brøndby IF), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal FC).