Sand Ebbe's away

In the wake of Denmark's exit from Euro 2004 at the hands of Czech Republic, the 31-year-old claims the time has come for him to concentrate on his club football with Schalke.

"I feel that this is the right time to stop," Sand, who scored 22 goals in 66 games for his country, told Ekstrabladet.

"If I had continued to the World Cup in Germany in 2006, it would have been like sitting down between two chairs.

"I'm happy about my career with Denmark and it was great coming back after a disgraceful period before that, but it was a pity I was injured in my last game."

Denmark boss Morten Olsen understands Sand's reasons for quitting.

"Ebbe Sand came to me and we talked about it," said Olsen. "And I can understand his reasons for quitting."

Olsen could also be forced to do without Rene Henriksen in World Cup qualifying, as the Panathinaikos man is considering quitting the international scene.