Vettori hopeful of making South Africa clash

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes he will be fit to face South Africa in the World Cup quarterfinals after missing two matches with a knee injury.

Vettori was sidelined for the win over Canada and defeat against Sri Lanka after hurting his knee while fielding against Pakistan in Pallekele nearly two weeks ago.

"I should be all right to get through the batting and bowling, it is just the running around that is hampering me a little bit," said Vettori.

"But I still have a few days left and I am confident of being available."

Opening batsman and wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum, who has carried on playing despite tearing the cartilage in his right knee during the 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe, shrugged off his injury.

"I hate the fact this sort of stuff can be used as an excuse," he told cricinfo.com

"The stars are never going to be fully aligned each time you play. If it was a bilateral series then maybe you'd have a few games off but the World Cup comes around every four years, so players need to get over it and work through injuries.

"There are plenty of people with worse problems and issues than mine."