Thursday Sep 29 2005 08:36
Denmark central defender Martin Laursen insists that he is ready to deal with the aerial threat posed by giant Czech Republic striker Jan Koller in Sunday's Euro 2004 quarter-final in Oporto.
Koller has formed a formidable striker partnership with Liverpool's Milan Baros during the group stage of the tournament and Laursen is well aware of their potential.
However, he performed well against the Borussia Dortmund forward in a World Cup qualifier three years ago and expects to do the same again.
"He's a striker whose game suits me well, and it's clearly positive that I have played against him before," said Aston Villa's new signing.
"I can definitely use that to my advantage.
"He's very strong in the air, and as I can't win all the duels it's important that my defensive partner is covering up around me."
Meanwhile, Denmark striker Ebbe Sand hopes to recover from a thigh strain in time to play in the quarter-final clash.
He said: "I still think I can get ready, but it's hard to say how close I am, because it would be something different if I had tried to train.
"Then I would be more sure.
"You have to be careful with a muscle injury, but I will do all I can to play.
"On the other hand, I won't play if I can't run fully. Then I would rather give the chance to someone else."
Bochum forward Peter Madsen is on standby to face the Czech Republic should Sand fail to recover.
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