Knudsen ready to make an impact at home EURO

Danish line player Michael Vestergaard Knudsen, who was absent at the recent World Championship in Spain, is ready to play for his country again and eager to represent Denmark at the EHF EURO 2014 at home in a year's time.

The 34 year-old SG Flensburg Handewitt player, who is a solid player in the centre of defence and a strong line player in the attack, was not available in Spain, but now he is keen on a comeback in a Danish jersey.

“I needed some peace and quiet this time, as there has been a lot of handball lately, so it was a joint decision between the club and me.

"However, now I am ready again,” Knudsen told the Danish website sporten.tv2.dk.

As reigning champions and hosts, Denmark have qualified directly to the finals next year and will not play any qualification matches, but the experienced line player is available for the test matches too.

“It would be really exciting for play a European championship in Denmark. I have never played in a major championship on home ground, so obviously it is something special.

“So I am ready to take part in all the preparations, if Ulrik (Wilbek) thinks it is a good idea,” added Knudsen, who has played 212 internationals for Denmark and won the EHF EURO 2008 title, scoring 28 goals in eight games.

At the World Championship in Spain, Denmark had three line players in their squad, with Jesper Nøddesbo, as well as the brothers René and Henrik Toft Hansen.

With Michael Knudsen at national coach Ulrik Wilbek´s disposal again, the battle for the line player position in the Danish team is set to be tight in the buildup towards the EHF EURO 2014.