'I'm in good physical shape,' Czechia star Sulc targets Ireland in playoff

The Lyon man was considered a big doubt for the playoff but he says he's ready for the Irish'. 

Lyon's Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc is gearing up for Thursday night's playoff. Pic: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP via Getty Images)

Czechia superstar Pavel Sulc has declared himself fit and ready for Thursday’s crunch World Cup playoff semi-final clash against Ireland in Prague.

Sulc became the latest major export from the domestic league when he moved from Viktoria Plzeň to Lyon last summer but there were fears a hamstring injury would rule the playmaker out.

Those subsided in recent weeks when he returned to European and Ligue 1 action, scoring in the weekend clash visit to Monaco.

“I wanted to have a match-load so that I would be ready for the match against Ireland from the first minute,” said the 25-year-old, who has four goals from his 18 caps.

“But actually, even if I didn't play a minute for Lyon, I would be ready for the Irish.

“Of course, I had in my head that the injury wouldn't come back. It's great that I'm fit - I'm in good physical shape.

After being initially considered a big doubt for the playoff, assistance from renowned sports physiotherapist Michal Rukavička accelerated his recovery.

“When I got the news from the doctors immediately after the examination, their prognosis was about 15 days,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, it stretched out a little longer. After three weeks, however, I started training with a fitness coach, last Thursday I was able to play for 20 minutes in the Europa League.

“My rehabilitation was improved by inviting Michal Rukavička to Lyon.

“Michal did an ultrasound, told me the extent of the injury. Then followed two days of intensive exercise and rehabilitation under his supervision. We took it from there.”