Laursen looks to future

Koen Freriks

12 september 2006, 18:28

Martin Laursen is confident that he can build upon his first Premiership start in over a year, after coming through Sunday's match against West ham United unscathed.

The defender has had an injury-ravaged career, and his latest setback was a long-term knee problem. However, following extensive treatment in Bologna, the 29-year-old defender looks to be back in business, and hoping to get a run in Matin O'Neill's team.

"I did not feel I had any problems with the knee," Laursen told Villa's official website. "My form was good and so is my physical condition, so I am happy. It was the end of a long year for me. I felt ready and I was pleased to get the chance to start a game again.

The important thing is that I am fit and can play for 90 minutes. If I have to do some different things in training during the week, that is okay. The manager is very understanding about my situation, so that's great."

Laursen also said that it was great to come up against a challenging forward like Carlos Tevez, West Ham's new striker. He will hope that injuries don't prevent him from coming up against more of the Premiership's best.