[Trim]

Frings Confident Of Fitness

Despite an injury-plagued club campaign, Germany midfielder Torsten Frings is confident that he will be fresh and ready for tomorrow’s Group B clash with Poland.

Werder Bremen midfielder Frings only managed 11 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, but suggests that reduced domestic schedules may ultimately give his side an advantage over more jaded opponents at Euro 2008.

Both Christophe Metzelder and Michael Ballack have also missed large chunks of their respective seasons through injury, for Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively. Frings believes that his team-mates’ extra rests may stand as an advantage through a potentially long tournament.

He said: "Many of us have been injured this season and we will see if it's an advantage to be fresher having had those forced breaks."

Frings has played 72 times for his nation and found the net ten times and is convinced that when fit, he is a key player for the side.

He said: "I feel in good form, I am physically fresh. This season physically I trained very harder than ever."

"I know if I am on form I will be in the German team. This season I didn't have much luck with injuries but it was clear once I put together a run of games at the end of the campaign that I would be ready."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Frings Confident Of Fitness

______________

Ballack: Premiership Influence Will Help Me

Germany captain Michael Ballack feels that his Premiership experience will give him the edge on his Euro 2008 rivals...

Germany skipper Michael Ballack might have missed out on double glory with Chelsea this season, but the Germany skipper feels his experiences in the Premiership will stand his in good stead for the Euros.

Joachim Low's side are among the favourites for the summer crown and the midfielder hopes two years in the "strong" Premier League will help him to erase the season's woes with international glory.

Ballack said: "I'm happy to be playing in such a strong league which puts you under pressure.

"Great football is played there and I think everybody takes that with them into the national team.

"The Premier League has certainly improved me as a footballer and I have received a lot of praise in the last few weeks.

"After my injury I found some form and I'm happy to be playing in such a strong league, which demands so much from you and puts you under pressure every weekend."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Ballack: Premiership Influence Will Help Me