Rangers stopper Filip Helander admits he's gutted at being left out for the Ibrox club's Europa League list with a European Final in sight.
The Swede came on for the final five minutes of extra time to shore up their defence in the 1-0 win over Czech Republic last week, which saw them clinch a place in the World Cup play-off final against Poland tomorrow.
But he won't play a part in Rangers' Europa League campaign after manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst opted not to include him on the list submitted in February because Helander was only just coming back from knee surgery since being sidelined against St Johnstone last September.
But the 28-year-old former Bologna stopper admitted it's hard to be on the outside looking in amid Rangers' impressive European run as they prepare for a Europa League quarter-final in Braga next week.
He said: "I was just back in full training after the injury when the squad needed to be submitted and therefore I was not selected.
"It's very sad for me not to be able to participate in a possible final.
"So yes, of course, I am disappointed not to be allowed to be part of the squad.
"Physically, I feel great. I have not played that much after the injury, but it is great to be able to run again. My fitness is good.
"It's not fun to be injured. During rehab time, it does not feel like you are part of the team so it is never good. Now I have put it behind me and as I said, it feels good now."
Van Bronckhorst explained last month: "It was a hard decision to leave him out of the European squad because we had only 23 players we could put on the list.
"At that time, I chose the players who were fit to play games and also players who can play in different roles.
"The only competition he cannot play is in Europe."
And Helander is determined to help Sweden reach the World Cup Finals although he accepts he's not their first choice defender.
He said: "There will always be competition in the national team, it has been like that all the time since I made my international debut. It is the same for everyone, everyone wants to play,
"But as long as I am motivated and selected, I will be here."
