Taylor backs Tim and Greg

Roger Taylor refuses to be overawed by Sweden's outstanding Davis Cup record as he puts the finishing touches to Britain's preparations for this week's World Group tie in Birmingham.

Britain's Davis Cup captain faces a tough task - the Swedes have reached the semi-finals in 16 of the last 20 years and Britain have not won a World Group first-round match for 16 years.

However, their hopes have been lifted by the groin injury that forced Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson to fly home to Sweden yesterday for treatment. Although Johansson has a flight booked to bring him back to Birmingham today, there is a serious doubt that he will be fit for the tie, which starts on Friday.

Britain will rely on Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski for both the singles and doubles.

Taylor said: "Sweden are the favourites but this is a match we can win, despite their incredible record with 16 semis in 20 years. We are still striving to get there, so there is a barrier to break through."

Johansson was yesterday named ATP Player of the Month for January and is also the top-ranked player in the world after winning in Melbourne and his loss would hit the Swedish camp hard.