Norway – Austria at 20.45 – Astonishing:

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– It is very special, says TV 2 expert Jesper Mathisen to Dagbladet.

But he is quick to emphasize:

– Henriksen has actually been stable and good on the national team. That says a lot about his professionalism.

Together with the rest of the national football team, the midfielder prepares for the match against Austria at 20.45 tonight. It is the first settlement in the Nations League, where Northern Ireland and Romania are also in the group. And Lagerbäck does not rule out that Henriksen can start again.

– It is conceivable that he can play. But we must also consider who is in the preseason and in season. If you have not played a match for a long time, the question is: Can you manage 90 minutes?

Henriksen has been in the Championship club Hull City since 2017. But throughout last autumn he did not miss a single minute.

The Norwegian – who started his career in Rosenborg – himself did not want to go into details. But manager Grant McCann chose not to use him. The solution was a lot of self-training.

In January, Henriksen was loaned out to Bristol City. It ended with a total of four games, the last on February 25 against Huddersfield. Now it has been over half a year without Henriksen having played a single match. The hole contract has expired.

But when the squad for Austria and Northern Ireland (Monday) was presented, Henriksen appeared on Lagerbäck’s list once again.

The explanation in the Swede’s world is simple: As long as you perform on the national team, this is the most important thing.

Dagbladet meets Jesper Mathisen in the sunshine outside Ullevaal stadium, while the team has closed training inside.

TV 2 experts say:

– Henriksen’s club life does not have everything optimal. But I think he deserves a place on the national team. He has been good for Norway. Had he had a match or two that was weak, the road to the bench and the stands would have been short. But Henriksen has actually delivered what Lagerbäck wants him to deliver in the role. I think he complements Sander Berge in a nice way in midfield. I do not think he gets undeservedly much playing time. I think he deserved the minutes he got.

Due to the corona restrictions, Henriksen has not been available for comment this week. But to Adresseavisen recently he stated that he will make a decision after the next two international matches.

He has been linked with clubs in Turkey. The online newspaper bold.dk in Denmark believes to know that AaB and FC Midtjylland are interested.

Rekdal: – Not good

– In Rosenborg, they probably dream that he will return to Lerkendal, says Mathisen.

– It would have been fantastic for RBK and Åge Hareide. But he is so good that I think he can get a solid contract either in the Championship, the Netherlands or Turkey. Then he can return and settle in the house he bought from his father in Trondheim, the TV 2 expert points out.