Ferrer agonises over Euro 2000 chances

Ferrer is desperate to play in the FA Cup final

Spanish defender Albert Ferrer fears he may miss out on Euro 2000 due to the ankle injury which has wrecked the end of his season.

The 29-year-old Chelsea full-back is facing up to the prospect of missing Saturday's FA Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley - and believes that could spell the end of his chances of making Jose Antonio Camacho's Spanish squad.

But he insists he will put Chelsea's bid for silverware ahead of his personal ambition of adding an FA Cup winner's medal to his remarkable haul of honours.

"It would be very disappointing for me not to play," Ferrer said. "When I came to England I promised myself I would win or at least play in an FA Cup final. It was one of my targets.

"But I will know if I can play, I will make the decision. If I am not 100% there are many other players who can play in my position. The game is too important," he added.

Ferrer has a glittering collection of winners medals, including five Spanish championships, the European Cup and an Olympic gold, but fears a cup final exit could also spell the end of his Euro 2000 dream.

"Euro 2000 is part of my thinking, the (provisional) Spanish squad is named on Monday, although I have only played one game for the national side this season and that makes me think other players will be going with the national team.

"If I do not play on Saturday I think that will be my last chance," added the disconsolate Ferrer.

Dutchman Mario Melchiot looks likely to take Ferrer's place in Chelsea's cup final side should the Spaniard fail to recover.