Laursen vows to prove worth
Aston Villa central defender Martin Laursen has vowed to prove he can eventually be a success in the Barclays Premiership as he prepares to fly out to America to find out the extent of his knee problem.
Laursen has had to endure a frustrating time since joining Villa in a £3m (€4.42m) switch from AC Milan in the summer of 2004.
He lasted only three games of last season before picking up the problem at Charlton and spent seven months on the sidelines.
He returned to action at the tail-end of 2004-2005 but Laursen still felt discomfort and a lengthy spell of rest and rehabilitation during the close season failed to provide a solution.
The Danish international is to jet off to see renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado in a bid to get to the root of the problem and to determine whether surgery is required.
Laursen told PA Sport: “The injury has been particularly annoying because I believe I can be a big success in England. The way I play is suited to English football, being good in the air and physically strong.
“I am so frustrated. I think I have a lot to offer and I want to show people what I am capable of.
“Lots of players have seen Dr Steadman and he has had success so I can take confidence from that. I think it is the right decision to go and see him.
“The manager was disappointed when the injury flared up again but, if my knee is sore and I am in pain and unable to play, then he has to accept it and he has been very understanding.
“I am determined to prove I am a good player. But I am not putting any timescale on when I return. It all depends on what the surgeon says to me.”
