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GOTHENBURG, Sweden, May 26 (Reuters) - Midfielder Tobias Linderoth returned from a long injury absence to score Sweden's only goal in a 1-0 friendly win over Slovenia on Monday.
Linderoth, who has battled a hip injury and had not played for his country since the 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in a Euro 2008 qualifier in October, picked up a flicked pass by Christian Wilhelmsson in the 41st minute inside the penalty box.
He dribbled past Slovenia's goalkeeper and managed to stay on his feet after tripping over the keeper and then finally forced the ball into the net.
It was only the second goal in 74 national team appearances for Linderoth, who is regarded as a key player for Sweden at Euro 2008, which begins on June 7.
"I am little worn out and it hurts a little, but it felt good to score," Linderoth, who was substituted at halftime, told TV3.
Asked if his hip injury might stop him from taking part in the European championship, Linderoth said: "Of course it could. We'll have to see tomorrow how I feel."
Striker Henrik Larsson, who has come out of international retirement to play at Euro 2008, came on in the second half and went close to scoring in the 55th minute with a low cross-shot that hit the post.
Sweden, who face Ukraine in a friendly on June 1, are grouped with Spain, Greece and Russia at Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.
