BELGRADE, May 22: Uncapped midfielder Ivan Ergic cannot hide his joy at getting into Serbia&Montenegro's World Cup squad after being laid low by a career-threatening illness.

''I have to pinch myself at times to make sure it's not just a dream any more. I wanted to take off and fly when I heard the news,'' the 25-year-old Basel midfielder told daily Press.

Ergic was struck down by the blood disease mononucleosis two years ago but he has had a good season with his Swiss club after making a full recovery.

''I was going through the toughest time in my life and I was delighted when the then under-21 national team manager asked me if I might recover in time for the European championship in Portugal 2004,'' he said.

''Unfortunately I couldn't, but here I am now and absolutely overjoyed to be heading for Germany.'' Ergic is likely to make his debut in Serbia&Montenegro's final warm-up against Uruguay in Belgrade on Saturday and says he would be happy to play in any position.

''I am used to operating behind the strikers or in the centre of midfield, but it's up to manager Ilija Petkovic to assess where I may be most useful to the team.'' Serbia&Montenegro meet Argentina, the Netherlands and Ivory Coast in Group C at the June 9-July 9 World Cup.

REUTERS