Larsson's International U-turn

Henrik Larsson has come out of international retirement for Sweden's Euro 2004 qualifier in Hungary on April 2.

Celtic・s star striker has not played for his country since Sweden・s dramatic defeat at the hands of Senegal in the second round of the World Cup, when he insisted he was quitting the international scene to concentrate on his club career.

However, it appears he has responded to a call from Sweden・s management duo, Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback, after they suffered something of a striking crisis. Ajax's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended for the Hungary match and, with the likes of Marcus Allback out of favour at their clubs and the Swedish domestic season yet to begin, Larsson has answered his country・s plea for help.

An earlier statement from Sweden・s management read: "With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and other forwards out of form we have asked Henrik Larsson if will help us in this very important game in Hungary and, happily, Henrik said 'yes'."