Mellberg boost for Swedes

Sweden have been boosted by the news that Olof Mellberg has declared himself fit.

The Aston Villa defender is Sweden's captain, and there were worries that a niggling knee injury would keep him out of the World Cup qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday.

However, Mellberg insists that his substitution in the 7-0 drubbing of Malta at the weekend was merely a precaution, and he will be fit.

"Going off in the Malta game was a safety measure," asserted the influential star to TT.

"There is no danger with the knee short term.

"I have noticed in the past that, with rest, the swelling goes down."