Bodo/Glimt’s best player, Ola Solbakken, looks all but set to face Celtic next week after a winter of speculation surrounding the player’s future.
Bodo boss Kjetil Knutsen has included the Norwegian international in his Europa Conference League squad for the upcoming tie against the Hoops [UEFA]. Celtic will face Bodo/Glimt next week in the first leg at Parkhead before the return game at the Apsmyra Stadium a week later.
Solbakken has been something of a talisman for his club in the competition this season too. Indeed, the number 9 has netted 5 goals and bagged 2 assists in his 10 Conference League outings this season. He was particularly impressive in the games against Roma, bagging a brace at home in the 6-1 mauling of Jose Mourinho’s men before netting at the Stadio Olimpico a fortnight later [Transfermarkt].
Glimt have already lost a string of their top talents this winter with the likes of Patrick Berg, Erik Botheim, and Fredrik Andre Bjorkan all departing the Norwegian champions.
Solbakken looked like being the next out the exit door. He was being linked with moves to the likes of Galatasaray [Fotomac] and Hellas Verona respectively [Sky Sports]. However, with the transfer windows all but closing, Solbakken looks destined to stay with Bodo/Glimt for now.
That instantly makes him the man to watch when they come to Celtic Park next Thursday. The Hoops will be looking for a strong scoreline to take to Norway with them as the games continue to come thick and fast.
Ola Solbakken all but set to face Celtic
Solbakken has been involved in both of Bodo/Glimt’s pre-season friendly matches in recent weeks. He’s likely to play another key part on Elfsborg this Thursday too – their final match before making the trip to Scotland.
The player has been discussing his off-season and appears settled with the Norwegians as he looks ahead to the Celtic clash. Speaking on their official club podcast, Solbakken said: “The form is on its way and otherwise, everything is fine. There are very nice facilities and I thrive in the group. For my part, it is the first Christmas holiday where I have had a proper holiday. I noticed that when we started up again. My form was worse than usual, but I have benefited from it.
“I have never played as much as last year, so I was quite tired after the season. There were many matches and the autumn went fast. After I returned from injury in August, there were two games a week until the end of the season. It was a lot of fun, but when you finish, you’re tired, even in your head.”
So it doesn’t appear as though he’s eyeing up any moves before the Europa Conference League clash. That gives his boss Knutsen a major selection boost given the host of departures he’s had to deal with.
Of course, this remains a new team Celtic will be coming up against. Bodo/Glimt are a much-changed side from the one that took the group stages by surprise.
But with Solbakken available to them, they’ll undoubtedly be a threat. This isn’t a tie where Celtic can afford to be complacent, but given our previous experiences in Europe, we should know that already.
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