Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel says he is optimistic of being fully fit for the start of his country's World Cup campaign.
Skrtel has not played since breaking a metatarsal bone while playing for Liverpool in the Europa League victory over Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest on February 25, but was an unused substitute for the final match of the season at Hull.
He has been named in the provisional 29-man squad for Slovakia's World Cup debut and now hopes to be ready for the opening game against New Zealand on June 15.
''It is a proud moment for my country to have qualified and I hope to be there with them,'' he said. ''It has been a very frustrating time for me being injured and not being available for Liverpool but all I can do is wait and see.
''I've had great support from the medical staff at Liverpool and my family so I will do everything I can to be fit for the World Cup. It's a big thing for Slovakia to have qualified for our first finals. It's a dream for everyone to get to South Africa.
''We have achieved this dream as a country and now we have to show what we are all about and give our best.''
