Odin Thiago Holm could soon be getting a call-up to the Norway U21s side with coach Jan Peder Jalland keeping a watchful eye on his progress at Celtic.
Holm is a new arrival at Celtic Park, signing from Valerenga in his homeland. Already he has caught the eye in friendly matches and on Sunday against Aberdeen came into a competitive environment to impress.
His potential and natural talent is clear to see. It’s now about whether or not he can string together consistency at the Bhoys and improve to the level that Brendan Rodgers desires.
Norway U21 boss Jalland thinks it’s possible and is excited to see where his development goes under the Celtic manager.
He said [Daily Record, 16/08 print edition page 47]: “Odin has since a young age been one of the players that we all think can be exciting and interesting with a lot of potential.
“He developed at Valerenga and has now made a new step to Celtic. It seems like it has been a positive start from what I have seen. Odin is a player we all think is interesting and we are excited to see how he develops further.
“I was out on Sunday watching other games, but I saw the match against Aberdeen on Monday on Wyscout. I saw he played as one of two sixes, he could be a little deeper and helping attacks from behind. But he also has the freedom to go forward and create things, so, at the moment, it seems like a role that suits him very well.
“Odin is working with one of the better managers who has had a great career with teams playing great football and having results. So I see that as something very positive and that it will benefit his development over this season and further seasons. I think at the moment he can play in different roles. Odin is so young you do not have to lock him into one position.”
Jalland is set to oversee an U21s camp in September and Holm is in line for a call-up. The coach goes on to say he has watched every minute he has played over the last few months and that the Celtic midfielder is a contender to feature in his squad.
That will be a boost to Holm who has previously only represented Norway up to U20 level. He could now be a key part of their U21 Euros qualifying campaign.
With that could come increased confidence and a better chance of success in a Celtic shirt. The future is looking bright for the new Bhoy.
In other news, Reo Hatate Celtic injury update.
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