Gronkjaer to put agony behind him

Jesper Gronkjaer is ready to put his personal trauma to one side and help steer Denmark to the brink of the quarter-finals after joining up with the squad following the death of his mother.

The Chelsea winger is determined to win a place in the starting lineup for this afternoon's clash with Bulgaria.

"I am happy to be here, and I don't think I have fallen behind in terms of my physical condition in the week I have not been training," he said

"It's very hot here but I feel I've adjusted. It will be really hot in Braga but I feel ready and I really want to play."

The 26-year-old, who has 46 caps, had stayed behind in Denmark to be at his mother's side during the last days of her illness.

Coach Morten Olsen insists Gronkjaer is in the right frame of mind to play.

"I have been speaking to Jesper every day during this difficult period for him, and the decision has been his all the way," Olsen said. "Coming over to join us is something he really wants to do. Now that Gronkjaer is here we can pick from all shelves, so to speak."

Everton's Thomas Gravesen is also available after being suspended for the Italy game, which Denmark drew 0-0, but Olsen said the midfielder may not start.

"He may not be willing to wait any longer to play, but maybe he will have to."

Bulgaria v Denmark, 5pm, Braga, live on BBC1