Lagerbäck keeps faith in Isaksson

Sweden coach Lars Lagerbäck has vowed to stick by Andreas Isaksson despite the Manchester City FC goalkeeper's lack of first-team football as he prepares for the friendly international against Turkey on Wednesday.

Isaksson support
Isaksson has lost his place with the Premier League side under his compatriot Sven-Göran Eriksson, raising doubts about his position with the national team. The thought of going into UEFA EURO 2008™ with a goalkeeper lacking match sharpness is cause for concern for Lagerbäck, but the veteran coach is confident Isaksson will be at his best come June. "It's not an ideal situation," admitted Lagerbäck. "But I think it will be enough for him to play for the reserves. We know what he's capable of and he has never let us down. We'll treat Andreas like everyone else and we'll make an assessment based on his performances."

'Work hard'
The 26-year-old Isaksson, who has featured just four times in the Premier League for City this season, appeared strained during a press conference on Tuesday, but insisted he was focused on the task ahead. "Of course the international games are important, but I haven't given up on the first team at City," he said. "I just have to work hard and take my chances and then anything can happen. Things can change quickly in football." Isaksson, who will win his 53rd cap on Wednesday, ruled out a loan move to gain match fitness. "I don't want to do that," he said. "I can't explain why; it's just a feeling I've got. I've made a decision to stay and fight for a place."

Shaaban transfer
Lagerbäck's problems have been complicated by the fact that second-choice Rami Shaaban has not been playing either, though the reason for the Fredrikstad FK goalkeeper's lack of playing time is more prosaic, the Norwegian season having come to an end. Shaaban, though, is also in an unwanted position as he waits for a move to Hammarby IF to go through. "I need to plan my season and I would like to be able to do that as soon as possible," he said. Lagerbäck also hopes the situation will quickly be resolved. "I don't think it's that big of a deal, but of course things would ideally have been better," he said.

Svensson captain
Lagerbäck will rest a number of regulars for Wednesday's friendly in Istanbul to give a few of his fringe players a chance to stake a claim before the summer. FC Groningen striker Marcus Berg will win his first cap and there are also starting places for Birmingham City FC midfielder Sebastian Larsson and Rosenborg BK's Fredrik Stoor, with Anders Svensson named captain.