Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen has decided to concentrate on club football at the expense of the Denmark team. Laursen, 31, who has already overcome a career-threatening injury to his left knee, is recuperating after having surgery on his right knee.

"My knee can no longer cope with playing for both Villa and the national team," said Laursen.

"In this situation, the only real solution is to play for the club.

"The thoughts of a return to the national team was an ambition which spurred me on through my injuries," said Laursen.

"There's nothing I would rather do than try and help the national team qualify for the World Cup."

"But the decision was my own and it's the most difficult I've ever had to make in my football career."