Hildebrand gutted to miss out

Valencia goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand has admitted he is absolutely gutted, irritated and shocked that he is set to miss out on Euro 2008 after the player was omitted from Joachim Low's squad for the summer showpiece.

"This morning, goalkeeper coach Andreas Kopke called me and informed me that the national team's coaching team had decided not to nominate me for the upcoming European Championships," he wrote.

"I am surprised, shocked and irritated.

"Obviously, there is nothing I can do but accept this decision as it is, but I cannot undestand it whatsoever.

"I have been in the squad for all the qualifying matches and there was no criticism of my performance and no indication that it was not enough.

"It has always been clear to me that I am the number two, but I will challenge (to be number one) because my form and performances are right, because I am fit and because the time is right.

"For this, not being picked is completely unexpected and comes from out of nowhere."