Bendtner returns for Serbia showdown

Denmark coach Keld Bordinggaard has called up striker Nicklas Bendtner for the upcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off with Serbia although the Arsenal FC will only be available for the second leg in Belgrade on 15 October.

Warm welcome back
A regular in Morten Olsen's senior lineup, Bendtner will step back into the U21 set-up for the decider because the national side do not have a fixture themselves that same date. Even though Bendtner will not be available for the first leg in Aalborg on 11 October – with Denmark facing Malta in FIFA World Cup qualifying – Bordingaard is happy to have the talented forward for at least half the tie. "We are really looking forward to welcoming Nicklas back in the U21 squad," the coach said. "He still knows most of the players in this side, and I can know he is looking forward to being part of our team again for a while."

'Fantastic opportunity'
It is the third time in four attempts that the Denmark U21s have qualified for the play-offs and Bordingaard hopes his team can grab their chance and progress to the final tournament like their 2006 counterparts. "By qualifying for the play-offs, this team has reached a great objective and has been rewarded with a fantastic opportunity to qualify for the finals in Sweden next summer," added Bordingaard.

Denmark squad
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Manchester City FC), Lasse Heinze (FC Midtjylland).

Defenders: Magnus Troest (Parma FC), Mathias Jørgensen (FC København), Michael Jakobsen (Aalborg BK), Michael Lumb (AGF Århus), Timmi Johansen (Odense BK), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland).

Midfielders: Jens Gjesing (AGF Århus), Mike Jensen (Malmö FF), Søren Christensen (FC Nordsjælland), Thomas Enevoldsen (Aalborg BK).

Forwards: Brian Nielsen (Vejle BK), Jesper Lange (Esbjerg fB), Lasse Schøne (NEC Nijmegen), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal FC), Nicklas Pedersen (FC Nordsjælland), Bo Storm (FC Nordsjælland).