Dortmund praise Kehl

Sebastian Kehl has been praised for delaying his ankle surgery until the summer.

Problems have plagued the former German international for months and although things have got worse in the past few weeks, the former Freiburg star refused to undergo an operation while the season was in progress as he was keen to help his side seal a place in Europe.

"We were impressed by his decision and will hold it in high regard," stressed Zorc, whose team finally missed out on qualifying for the Uefa Cup, but will have a chance to sneak into the competition through the back door of a successful Intertoto Cup campaign.

Kehl is now set to undergo surgery this week and will be hopeful that he will be fully recovered when Dortmund enter the competition in mid-July.