Rapid's keeper Helge Payer reacts during their Austrian league soccer match against Altach in Altach August 1, 2007. [Photo: Xinhua/Reuters]
Austria goalkeeper Helge Payer has been ruled out of UEFA EURO 2008 as he urgently needs an operation for a stomach condition.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper from SK Rapid Wien will now be replaced by Ramazan Ozcan.
Payer was diagnosed with partially blocked veins in the stomach during the last 24 hours. Payer broke down in training on Monday with pains in his back and stomach, prompting team medics to perform an MRI scan and further tests.
Austria doctor Ernst Schopp said: "Helge will be unable to undertake any physical activity for some time."
Payer said it was a devastating career blow: "My greatest wish was to be the No.1 keeper at the EURO, but my health is more important. On the one hand I'm sad about being unable to fulfil my dream, but on the other I'm happy I saw the doctor when I did. I'll have to follow the EURO from my sick bed and I wish my teammates all the best and an injury-free tournament."
Payer's replacement Ramazan Ozcan caught the eye this season by helping TSG 1899 Hoffenheim achieve promotion to the German Bundesliga. The 23-year-old, capped at Under-21 level, moved on loan to Hoffenheim from FC Salzburg in January and had done enough by April to earn a three-year deal with his new club. |
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