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FRINGS EYES GERMANY STARTING BERTH

Torsten Frings is set to be in the Germany starting XI at Euro 2008 if he does not suffer any more injury setbacks.

The Werder Bremen midfielder has only recently returned to first-team action after missing much of the season with a knee injury.

But national coach Joachim Low has told Frings he is wanted alongside Michael Ballack at the heart of the Germany midfield in Austria and Switzerland.

Asked whether the coach had reserved a starting place for him, Frings told the Bild newspaper: "He (Low) has told me that he needs me. When I am fit then there is not many better players than me in my position."

The holding player revealed he has been in regular contact with Low, adding: "We send text messages to each other. The last time he congratulated me on my good performance and goal against (Hansa) Rostock."

Germany head to the European Championships strongly-fancied to go all the way after their impressive showing in qualifying and at 2006 World Cup.

And Frings admitted such expectations are justified.

"We are rated like Italy, Spain, Holland and France among the favourites," he said.

The 31-year-old also hinted he could call time on his international career after the championships.

"I will definitely not play for the national team right up to the end of my career," he said.

"The first thing though is to do as well as possible at the Euros. The title would be the crowning glory."

FRINGS EYES GERMANY STARTING BERTH | Sporting Life