Akinfeev raring to go again

PFC CSKA Moskva goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev cannot wait for the Premier-Liga to start as he looks to put a painful period behind him.



Raring to go
The Russian international was sidelined for much of 2007, recovering from injury, and is keen to make up for lost time with UEFA EURO 2008™ approaching fast. Akinfeev tore cruciate ligaments against FC Rostov on 6 May and did not return to action until November as the Russian season reached its climax. With CSKA kicking off the new Premier-Liga campaign at home to FC Shinnik Yaroslavl on Saturday, and Russia in action against Romania on 26 March, the 21-year-old is raring to go again.

Serious success
"I hope to help CSKA return to the top of Russian football and I certainly hope to help the national team do well," Akinfeev told uefa.com. "We must prove at the European Championship that Russian players are no wimps. We have a strong team who are capable of serious success in Austria and Switzerland."

Working hard
It is almost a year since Akinfeev last played for his country and in his absence FC Zenit St. Petersburg goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev and Vladimir Gabulov, who recently moved from FC Kuban Krasnodar to FC Amkar Perm, have staked claims to a starting place. Both made telling contributions during Russia's thrilling qualification and are putting pressure on Akinfeev as he attempts to reclaim the No1 shirt. It is a battle, though, that Akinfeev expects to win. "Only time will tell," he said. "I rate my own chances, but I still have to keep working hard. The season is just beginning."

Spain favourites
Akinfeev's immediate priority is to help CSKA reclaim the title lost to Zenit last term. He has one eye, however, on UEFA EURO 2008™ where Russia have been drawn alongside Spain, defending champions Greece and Sweden in Group D. "Spain probably have the most interesting team and they are the favourites. It's not an easy group, but all of our opponents are beatable."

'Good mood'
Akinfeev did make a brief return to the Russia set-up for a get-together in Turkey last month. Although Russia did not play a match, he was glad to be involved, especially as it meant a welcome break from the usual pre-season routine. "It was nice to get over there," he said. "We met with the boys after a long break and got into the atmosphere of the national team. It's no surprise that everyone was in such a good mood. It didn't make any difference to me whether we played or not. If the coaches decided to do without an official game, then it was because we didn't need one."

Hectic period
So it has been a hectic period for Akinfeev, with thoughts of a holiday having been long banished because of the strict training regime he has had to follow. "I did get some rest," he said, "albeit at the gym at CSKA's training camp in Vatutinki." Both Russia and CSKA fans will be hoping this particular rest cure will have far-reaching effects.