The 29-year-old has not represented his country since March 2005 due to a succession of injuries but, along with Villa team-mate Thomas Sorenson, he was among 19 names announced by coach Morten Olsen for the home game against Northern Ireland on 7 October and the trip to Liechtenstein four days later. "It is fantastic that Martin Laursen has reached this level so soon," said Olsen. "It has been a nice surprise to see him already at an international level with his club performances this season.
"I am delighted for him that the strength and determination he has shown to come through a difficult period are proving to have been worth it." Laursen managed only 13 appearances in his first two seasons with Villa following a summer 2004 move from AC Milan, and although he returned to fitness during the summer, he has still only played 182 minutes.