Hello Mike. You were briefly involved in the games against Schalke and Bayern. Are you happy to be back on the pitch?

Hanke: "I'm really happy to finally be fit again and get some time on the pitch. I'm already looking forward to scoring my first goal!"

How important is it that Hannover are flexible in attack especially with the return of Deiner and Schlaufis?

Hanke: "That's really important for the team and it's particularly important that Jan is back to fitness. It's great that we have four potential strikers ready and fit. It's important for the future that we have lots of quality in up front."

Now you face league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. They are currently unbeaten, but surely not unbeatable. How are you going to approach the game?

Hanke: "Every run comes to an end eventually and I think that Saturday is the right time for that to happen. We need to end our own little run of defeats and start winning again."

To what extent are the fans your 12^th man in games such as the one against Leverkusen?

Hanke: "Of course the fans are massively important. They've been loyal in the last two games and support us all the way, even when we lose. That's great. Now the emphasis is on us to repay the fans."

What do you think of our sensational Christmas decoration?

Hanke: (laughs) "You've done really well with that! The candles aren't burning, but it looks good nonetheless."

Who is responsible for the Christmas decorations in your house?

Hanke: "My girlfriend. The wreath is already up and some special decorations as well. Our two children are really excited."

Your daughter is two and your son one. Do they realise what time of year it is and that they'll be getting some presents in three weeks?

Hanke: "My little girl as got a feeling. She doesn't know exactly what's going on but she's still excited that we've put the wreath up and put some other decorations up in the living room."

Could we see Mike Hanke playing Father Christmas then?

Hanke: "I think that's where my own father steps in!"