Origi happy to play out wide

Divock Origi says he is willing to play in any position to help Belgium succeed at Euro 2016.

The striker’s place at the tournament appeared in doubt due to an ankle injury but having come off the bench in Liverpool’s 3-1 Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, he is on track to make the tournament.

Before his setback the 21-year-old seemed to be a candidate to start up front for his country although a lack of match sharpness may have hampered his chances.

Red Devils boss Marc Wilmots has an embarrassment of riches in attack, with Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku also available to play as the main striker, while Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Dries Mertens are among those fighting it out for attacking midfield berths.

Belgium are currently 2.00 to top Group E ahead of Italy, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, while they are priced at 11.00 to win Euro 2016 outright.

Origi was the surprise package for his country at the 2014 World Cup, forcing his way into the starting line-up after beginning the tournament as a substitute.

Although he considers himself a striker, his ability to play out wide provides Wilmots with plenty of options and the Liverpool man says he is happy to feature wherever he can benefit the team the most.

“I prefer to play through the middle but if I’m here it’s to be of service to the team in the position that they want to entrust to me,” he said. “I certainly consider myself as a number nine who’s capable of slipping to the wing but ultimately it’s the best who’ll play and who will lead us as far as possible.”