The Danish centre-back has made just 13 appearances since arriving, crocked, from AC Milan in summer 2004 following a succession of knee problems. He made just one start last term before triggering the injury but is determined to make up for lost time. "I owe the manager a lot; he was the one that brought me to the club. I have a contract until 2008 so I'm working really hard to do well in the two seasons I've got left, that's all I can do.
"Injuries are something you have to cope with in football, but now I have to work hard and try and pay back something." Laursen has stepped up his latest comeback bid this month and aims to return for the start of pre-season training in six weeks.