Stam hopeful for Euro play-off

Lazio defender Jaap Stam is confident that he will be fit for Holland’s Euro 2004 Play-Off, first-leg against Scotland on November 15.

Stam will undergo a scan to discover the extent of the hamstring injury suffered during the Rome club's 2-1 Serie A victory over Bologna at the weekend, but he is optimistic of his chances of making the Glasgow clash.

“It feels a lot better already than just after the match,” he said. “But to be certain a scan will be made soon.

“I don’t think I will have to miss these deciding play-offs with Oranje.”

The second leg will be played four days later in Amsterdam with the winners booking a place at next summer’s finals in Portugal.