As we reported a couple of days ago, Austria goalkeeper Helge Payer broke down in training last Monday (26^th May) with excruciating pains in his stomach and back areas. He has since been diagnosed with gastrointestinal and liver problems and has been told he will have to spend at least six months out of the game.

Tests that were conducted last Tuesday on Payer brought to light the fact that he was suffering from a condition brought on by partially blocked veins in the stomach area and this confirmed his elimination from the Euro 2008 finals. It was then deemed necessary to transfer the player from the Austrian training camp to a private clinic in the capital, Vienna where he was put on a course of blood thinners and is continuing to undergo medical treatment.

Helge Payer was widely anticipated to be Austria's main goalkeeper at the Euro’s but will not be able to take part in any sporting activity whatsoever for at least the next six months, after which he should be able to commence light physical exercise and rehabilitation. The Austrian coach, Josef Hickersberger replaced the unlucky goalkeeper with twenty-three year old Ramazan Özcan who plays for German team TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. This now means that Jürgen Macho and veteran Alex Manninger will more than likely contest the number one slot.