Maduro ready for action

Valencia’s Dutch defender Hedwiges Maduro is worried his lack of playing time at club level could limit his chances of playing at Euro 2012.

The centre-back has only recently returned to full fitness after tearing ankle ligaments while on international duty with the Netherlands in October and has struggled to break into the Valencia first team.

Despite his lack of action, Maduro insisted he is ready to play.

“I am fitter than fit. The tests for strength and speed are normal. But now I’m also fighting to do well at other things,” Maduro told De Telegraaf.

“After my rehabilitation from injury, I have trained for weeks with the group and think I’m ready for playing time.

“But the coach (Unai Emery) has another opinion. He complimented me for my efforts, but warns me to be careful because I have been out for a long time.”

Maduro, who has won 18 international caps with the Netherlands, has made only six competitive appearances for Valencia this season.