Gravesen calls time on Denmark

Celtic's Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen has retired from international duty.

Gravesen, who has won 66 caps for his country, has decided to concentrate on his club commitments following his recent switch from Real Madrid to The Bhoys.

The 30-year-old has played for Denmark in European Championship and World Cup finals and is honoured to have represented his country.

The news of Gravesen's international retirement is a blow for coach Morten Olsen who will now have to reshape his team for their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Liechtenstein next month.

"I'm really pleased with my transfer to Celtic and happy to have a new start as a footballer," Gravesen said in a statement released by the Danish FA.

"I already feel at home in Scotland and I therefore feel that I want to focus 100 percent on my new job.

"Since my debut in the national team, I've played in European Championships and World Cup finals, and I've had some fantastic experiences with the side.

"But I feel, following my move to Celtic, it is the right time for me to stop playing with the national team.

"I'm very grateful for all the time I've spent with the team though, and I want to thank all my team-mates, coach Morten Olsen, the Danish fans and everyone involved with the team.

"It's been an honour to represent Denmark."