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Jankulovski Fit For Opener

Czech Republic defender Marek Jankulovski has announced he will be fit to play in Euro 2008’s opening game on Saturday.

The tournament kicks off in Basel with the Czech Republic taking on co-hosts Switzerland, with Jankulovski expected to return to the Czech side after injury.

“I think the knee’s condition is good,” said the left-sided player, before adding, “I believe my knee will be 100 per cent fit on Saturday.”

The Milan man injured his knee in a Serie A match against Empoli back in October and his recovery has taken far longer than first envisaged.

However the 31 year old left back has come through two warm up matches against Lithuania and Scotland unscathed and after several weeks preparing for Euro 2008 has revealed he now has no problems.

He did confess that the injury was still at the back of his mind, something that he had realised after seeing Fabio Cannavaro injured and ruled out of the tournament this week. He said: “When Cannavaro was injured, one has to think about it.”

Jankulovski, who has won the Champions League with AC Milan, also spoke of his desire to win a trophy with his national side.

“It’s an ultimate goal to win something with the national team,” he said before adding, “I believe that we are able to succeed and we’ll do all we can and we'll fight for it to go far.”

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Jankulovski Fit For Opener