Dortmund's Schmelzer determined to grasp Germany opportunity

06-Sep-2012 9:00:00 PM

The left-back could only make the bench at Euro 2012, but he seems to have been given a new lease of life by coach Joachim Low ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers

Marcel Schmelzer has spoken of his gratitude at being given a "second chance" to prove himself on the international stage with Germany.

The defender has developed into an important player for his club side Borussia Dortmund, occupying the left-back spot in two consecutive Bundesliga-winning teams, but could only make the substitutes' bench for his country at Euro 2012.

However, he has emerged as a viable option for Joachim Low since then, allowing Philipp Lahm to revert to his more natural position on the right, but after disappointing performances against Australia and Switzerland, he is refusing to take his place for granted.

"I would not call it a free ride, it's more of a second chance," Schmelzer told Kicker ahead of Friday's World Cup 2014 qualifier against Faroe Islands.

"I did not take my first chance against Australia or Switzerland, and I could not replicate my Dortmund form. I have been annoyed about it."

Schmelzer will be reacquainted with the likes of Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan while on Germany duty, and he believes the presence of so many BVB stars in the Mannschaft camp can only be viewed as a benefit.

"At Dortmund, there are some automatic starters [in the Germany squad], players who I have known for a long time. It's been two years since I made my Germany debut and it just gets better," he added.

"Dortmund are important so that we are not alone here, but in a large group."

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