Sorensen has saved two penalties in his last three matches for Stoke

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has said keeping his place for the World Cup next summer is helping him produce his best form for Stoke City.

Sorensen, who also played in the 2002 tournament, has kept five clean sheets in 14 league games this season.

"It's a fantastic thing and the biggest thing you can be involved in," the 33-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It's great to have something at the end of the season to look forward to and that spurs you on."

He added: "In terms of motivation, you hope that all of the hard work you put in, you will get the benefits of in the summer."

Denmark have been drawn in Group E, alongside Japan, Cameroon and the Netherlands, who will be their first opponents in South Africa on 14 June.

Their last appearance at a World Cup came in Japan and South Korea in 2002, where the Danes were beaten 3-0 by England in the second round.

At club level, Sorensen is enjoying a good run of form, although he was powerless to stop Arsenal cruising to a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, despite saving a penalty from Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas with the score still goalless.

"I contributed with a few saves and that kept us in it," said the former Sunderland and Aston Villa keeper, who was rewarded with a new contract at the Britannia Stadium in November.

"Unfortunately it wasn't enough to get something out of the game, but we move on and we have a different game against Wigan on Saturday."

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