Ferreira happy to put team first

Paulo Ferreira has confirmed he is more than happy to play out of position to aid Portugal's quest for UEFA EURO 2008™ glory.

Confident
The Chelsea FC right-back has been asked to step in and cover the team's problem position at left-back during the tournament and is taking it all in his stride. "I'm a professional and I have to be ready for anything," he said. "Clearly playing at left-back is a bit different than playing on the right, but I'm feeling confident because I know [coach Luiz Felipe] Scolari has confidence in me."

Raring to go
Ferreira, who joined Chelsea from FC Porto just before UEFA EURO 2004™, has endured a difficult season with injuries and after losing his starting place at club level he is determined to make the most of this chance with his country. "Of course, I like to play," he said. "I was maybe a bit unlucky that when I was having a good moment I got injured, but this competition is different. I feel very good and ready for the start of it."

Caution needed
Ferreira was also wary of raising expectations too much on the back of Portugal's recent successes, having reached the final four years ago as well as getting to the semi-finals at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. "We feel very proud of what we achieved in 2004 and 2006, but we are now in a different tournament in 2008," he stressed. "We have a lot of new players as well, and we have to just go by one step at a time."

Crucial match
Ferreira's team-mate Petit agreed, saying that the first Group A game against Turkey at the Stade de Genève on Saturday would be crucial. "I think the first game is going to determine how the rest will go," he said. "We're expecting Turkey to give everything. They have an excellent national team with a lot of experienced players. But we're prepared for this. We know we have to win the first game for our morale and to continue our campaign."

Return to fitness
The 31-year-old SL Benfica midfielder has passed an eventful few weeks, firstly confirming he would be able to take his place in the squad after injury, then announcing at the pre-tournament camp in Viseu that he would retire from the international game following UEFA EURO 2008™. "I've come here feeling good," said Petit. "I have been working for this. I know on Saturday I'll have to be at my best."