Jensen retains World Cup hope

19 November 2009 15:40
The Burnley goalkeeper was drafted into Denmark's national squad in September for the World Cup qualifier at home to Portugal but has yet to feature for his country.[LNB]That call-up was purely as cover as suspension had ruled out Stoke's Thomas Sorensen but the 34-year-old has been encouraged by the recognition and is determined to fight for a chance to go to South Africa this summer.[LNB]"When Denmark played Portugal I was on standby over there for the other two goalkeepers in case anything happened because Thomas Sorensen was suspended," he said.[LNB]"I was basically cover but since then I hadn't really heard anything.[LNB]"At least now they have told me the door is open - but the only thing I'm thinking about is doing my best for Burnley.[LNB]"Hopefully that will be good enough, but it's not for me to say, it's down to the Danish manager (Morten Olsen).[LNB]"At the moment I'm probably fifth choice from his point of view, but hopefully I can fight my way into the squad.[LNB]"It will be my last chance, but fingers crossed I will do enough at the end of the season. Only time will tell."[LNB]Jensen has had some mixed performances this season, ranging from is man-of-the-match display in the home victory over Manchester United - which include a Michael Carrick penalty save - to dropping a clanger in the 3-1 defeat to Wigan last month.[LNB]He was injured in the incident which led to the Latics' first goal and was substituted with an ankle problem after just 15 minutes.[LNB]But he quickly recovered to retain his place as manager Owen Coyle's number one and, thanks to pain-killing injections, has been able to keep up his record of playing in every one of the Clarets' matches this season.[LNB]Much has been made of the football Coyle's side have played both this season and last but Jensen has also played a key part in goal and he is determined to help the club retain Premier League status.[LNB]"We played 61 games last season and I didn't have any injuries, just a few niggles," he said.[LNB]"Being in the Premier League you don't want to miss any of the action so hopefully I won't have any more this season and I can get stronger to make sure we get a good chance in the Premier League.[LNB]"I know what we are capable of, we are playing up to our very best, but that's what we need to do or we'll be punished.[LNB]"We know we have a chance and everybody in the squad has always believed that and I am not overly surprised we have 16 points from 12 matches.[LNB]"We can only look up and hopefully we can get some more points on the board to make sure we establish ourselves in this league."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk