Isaksson - I made right choice

Keeper still expecting to be Sweden's No.1

By Kent Hedlundh   Last updated: 6th February 2008

andreas isaksson sweden

Isaksson: Out of favour at City

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Andreas Isaksson is optimistic of retaining his place in the Swedish national side despite his limited opportunities at Manchester City.

With Euro 2008 fast approaching it was widely expected that the keeper would leave the City of Manchester Stadium during the January transfer window after making just five appearances for the club this season.

However, he turned down a loan offer from Turskish giants Galatasaray after insisting that he was only interested in permanent deals, and now claims that he is confident of gaining enough match practice for City's reserves between now and the summer to ensure that he is ready for the European Championship.

Work hard

"It's obvious that the upcoming internationals will be important (Sweden face Turkey on Wednesday)," Isaksson told a press conference.

"It's just a matter of keep on training and hopefully play as many reserve games as possible in an attempt to regain a place in the first team.

"I do not want to go out on loan and it feels good to have made that decision as the last month has been tough not knowing what will happen."

No concerns

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback also admitted that he has no problem with his first-choice keeper turning out for City's second string in the build-up to a major championship.

"I believe that it is quite possible that he will be able to achieve sufficient fitness levels playing for the reserves," he said.