Laursen quits international game

Denmark defender Martin Laursen has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old Aston Villa player, who made his debut against Portugal in March 2000, has clocked up 53 appearances for the Danes.

However, knee injuries have taken their toil in recent years and Laursen admitted it was time to call it quits.

“The thoughts of a return to the national team was an ambition which spurred me on through my injuries,” he said.

“But my knee can no longer cope with playing for both Aston Villa and Denmark.

“In this situation the only answer is to make myself available to the club, who are my employers on a daily basis.”