Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey has stated that he is prepared to play a major role against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Bailey was removed from a game for the first time in his career during the 35-28 victory back in December, citing niggling injuries.

Following that win, he featured just twice more in the regular season before playing a role in last Sunday's divisional win over the San Diego Chargers.

However, Bailey has now insisted that he is fit to start and lead his team to the Super Bowl.

He told reporters: "I'm ready for whatever they want me to do. That is the way I prepare, I've never not prepared like that though to be honest.

"That is the way I've played it since I came back from the injury, I don't want to force anything. But I feel like I'm ready for whatever is thrown at me. At the time of the injury, pulling me was the right thing to do. I just didn't feel like I wanted to feel, I couldn't do the things I wanted to do they way I wanted to do them."

Bailey is in his 10th year with the Broncos, having arrived from the Washington Redskins in 2004.