Fukal playing for new deal

Hamburg boss Klaus Toppmoller surprised journalists at the club's daily press conference on Monday by announcing that he would be giving Fukal the chance to prove himself at the Arena AufSchalke on Saturday.

"I've always been intending to let Milan Fukal start the game against Schalke. Now he is being given the chance to extend his HSV contract himself," Toppi said.

Contract talks with the 28-year-old Czech and his agent have been put on ice until the middle of April, but Fukal is hoping that a run in the first team after just two appearances this season will now help him land a new deal.

"I'm looking forward to the match on Saturday," he said.

"HSV is still my first choice, but my contract will not depend on how I perform in one single match.

"I need to be sure that I've got the coach's confidence 100 percent."