Mjallby reveals fitness fears

Celtic defender Johan Mjallby has revealed he will not be part of Sweden’s Euro 2004 squad if he does not feel up to it.

The 33-year-old has missed out on action for both his club and country this year after being plagued by problems with his knees.

And he admits that if he is not fully fit following Sweden’s friendly against Finland on Friday, he may reconsider his place in the party.

“Friday’s friendly with Finland away could be my last international,” he said.

“If I am not fit enough to take a place in the starting line up in the Euro 2004 games, I am not interested in being part of the squad in Portugal. I must have a positive answer in Finland.

“If my knees don’t hurt, if my body is in good shape and if I have got the right timing and feeling for playing at this high level, then I will go to the tournament.”

If Mjallby is unhappy following the clash with Finland and pulls out of Euro 2004, Sweden will have lost two central defenders in two days.

Southampton’s Michael Svensson withdrew from the squad yesterday because of a knee injury and was replaced by Hammarby’s Alexander Ostlund.