Magnus Hedman has pulled out of Sweden’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday to concentrate on Coventry City’s fight for survival.

The towering keeper was due to fly to Dublin today but decided to withdraw after still feeling the injury he picked up 10 days ago against Middlesbrough.

He did play in the 1-0 defeat at Leicester but was unable to take goal kicks.

He said:

"I have pulled out for myself and Coventry’s sake. My country wanted me to go there and play but I need to rest. Coventry is the most important thing for me, and of course if you perform well with your club you will get the international recognition.

"This is my family at the moment and I have to stick up for everyone as we all do. The international manager understood and there are no problems.

"This is just a friendly and is not a crucial game. If I want to be fit to play against England then I need to rest.

"I am feeling the injury but I thought I could manage to get through Saturday’s game. You know the pain is there but you have to get through it. I caught a knock in the first half but with a week’s rest and treatment I should be okay to face Wimbledon."

One win would probably see City safe in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership. They put on a very poor performance at Filbert Street and were given a blast by manager Gordon Strachan.

Hedman added:

"We know that we didn’t come up to our normal standards in the first half. We did better in the second half and created a couple of chances but we should have started the game like that.

"If you could put our finger on it your would be a hell of a manager but football is not that simple. It’s a mental thing and being away from home we have not done well.

"We are very disappointed but we have to look forward. I would think one win would be enough depending on other results."

Paul Williams and Paul Telfer both picked up injuries and were having treatment today.

Season ticket holders can take a friend to watch Saturday’s game to Wimbledon for just £10.

The deal is part of a special offer launched for The Dons’ fixture and the Middlesbrough game 10 days ago, but only applies for one of the games.

The offer is available by personal or postal application – one ticket per voucher M subject to availability. Tickets have to be bought by the close of business on Friday.

Tickets for the game at Derby on May 8 go on priority sale today.

The match is all ticket for City fans but up to 3,300 seats are available in the South Stand, upper and lower tiers priced at £19 for adults and £10 for juniors and OAPs.

Supporters can by two tickets per voucher P or membership card, with a maximum of six vouchers or cards per person.

If any tickets remain they will go on sale on May 4.