Hansson relishes belated Sweden role

Reliable defender
Although Hansson was first capped by his country against Finland in 2001, aged 24, it was not until Andreas Jakobsson retired from the Sweden side three years later that the powerful centre-half began to be selected regularly. The Halmstads BK old boy earned a reputation as a reliable defender while playing in the Netherlands with SC Heerenveen between 2002 and 2007, yet has only recently enjoyed true international recognition.

Automatic choice
"My career path may not have been as straight as an arrow but I've gradually improved and my hard work is paying off," Hansson said. "I was quite surprised to be given my Sweden debut when I was, but it was something to build on." Hansson has since emerged as an automatic choice for coach Lars Lagerbäck, acquiring 31 caps and being voted Sweden's best defender in both 2006 and 2007.

Rennes switch
He nevertheless decided last summer that he needed a fresh challenge, opting to leave Heerenveen for French team Rennes where he has excelled over 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season. "It was time for a change," the 31-year-old said. "I spoke to [former Rennes defender] Erik Edman about the club and he was very positive, so I decided to sign."

‘Higher quality'
Tenth in Ligue 1, the Brittany outfit have been infuriatingly inconsistent this term – indeed, the Swede's considerable presence in their back line has been one of few constants at Stade de la Route de Lorient. Hansson, though, is convinced he has made the right move, saying: "It has helped me a lot. The quality of the French league is high – higher than the Dutch league – and that means I have to raise my game."

Mellberg partnership
He will hope to maintain those standards when he lines up alongside Olof Mellberg in the Sweden rearguard this summer. The pair formed an impressive partnership in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, and Hansson says he likes playing alongside the Aston Villa FC man: "Olof is easy to play with. We communicate well and complement each other well."

‘Tough group'
Having been drawn in Group D with Spain, Russia and Greece, Sweden will require a solid platform if they are to progress to the quarter-finals. "We're in a tough group, even if it's probably not the strongest," Hansson said. "We have to try to beat Greece and Russia, although we know we are capable of beating Spain too because we've done it before. If we get out of the group, anything can happen."