Mahdavikia returns to the pitch

IRIB - Iranian national team Striker Mehdi Mahdavikia will return to Hamburg starting line-up for Saturday's Bundesliga match in Bochum after being benched for almost three months, the German sports press reported Thursday.

Hamburg Coach Thomas Doll cited Mahdavikia's good training performances and his improved play in last week's 2-0 home loss against Hanover 96 as reasons for his nomination.

Mahdavikia had voiced deep frustration over his reserve player status but ruled out an early transfer to another team.

Earning 2 million euros a year, last year's Asian and HSV player of the year only recently extended his contract until 2007.