Villa skipper Martin Laursen has announced his retirement from international football with Denmark in a bid to prolong his club career.

The 31-year-old defender is currently sidelined with the latest in a long line of knee problems and is expected to be sidelined for another seven weeks.

Laursen, who made made his debut against Portugal in March 2000, clocked up 53 appearances for his country but has decided to call time on his Danish career, after admitting the injuries have taken their toll.

He said: “The thoughts of a return to the national team was an ambition which spurred me on through my injuries. But my knee can no longer cope with playing for both Aston Villa and Denmark.

“In this situation the only answer is to make myself available to the club, who are my employers on a daily basis.”

Villa boss Martin O’Neill added: “It has undoubtedly been a difficult decision for Martin to make.

“He has loved playing for his country. But his club future has now become very important considering his history of knee problems.”