MAHDAVIKIA TO FIGHT FOR PLACE

Sportinglife - Hamburg's Iranian winger Mehdi Mahdavikia is intent on fighting for a place in the north German side after falling out of favour with coach Thomas Doll.

The 27-year-old has made only two full appearances for Hamburg this season and was rumoured to be looking for a move away from the Bundesliga team during the winter break.

However, Mahdavikia has denied he is frustrated and has promised to fight for a starting spot.

He told the Hamburger Abenblatt newspaper: "I have no intention of leaving HSV in the winter.

"I won't give up, and that is a certainty."

Hamburg have pulled away from the relegation zone since Doll took over from Klaus Toppmoller in mid-October, but Mahdavikia has been a mere spectator on the bench.

Meanwhile, Hamburg have arranged three friendlies during the winter break, two of which will be held at their La Manga training camp in Spain.

VfL Wolfsburg and FC Basle will face Doll's men in Spain on January 9 and 11 with Hamburg then set to face north German rivals Werder Bremen when they return on January 16.