THELO AASGAARD believes his recent international experience with Norway will stand him in good stead ahead of his return to club action at Rangers.
The midfielder was a standout performer for his country as he netted a remarkable four times in an 11-1 rout of Moldova in World Cup qualifying in midweek.
Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Hearts at Ibrox, Aasgaard reflected: “It wasn’t bad, to be fair! I’m always happy to go in the first place so to get some goals is amazing.
“I was quite emotional because I had my family in the stands. They’re proud of me anyway, but for them to see me put in a good performance like that made me over the moon.
“It’s a confidence booster and I’ll try to take it into the game [tomorrow].
“All I can do is try to take it into the next game, but I’m just desperate to do well for this club and I know all the lads are. We’re a new group, but we’ll gel together and I’m looking forward to it.
“I learn so much, not just from [Haaland] but from all the players. We’ve got a really good team. I really enjoy going away, but now I’m just focussing on these block [of games] before the next one.
“Everyone stays in touch with each other and sees how we’re all doing.
“[Haaland] is a great example. His career has been one of progression. He has a monster mentality and it’s really important to stay strong.
“One thing that separates them is their speed of thought. Before they get the ball, they know what they’re doing and they’re able to make decisions in a split second.
“It’s all building blocks that I want to add to my game.”
Aasgaard made his first start for the club as part of the forward line against St. Mirren last month before dropping back into midfield in the Old Firm draw prior to the international break.
On where he views his best position, he continued: “I would say my favourite position is as a left number eight, but I like to move all over the pitch. I like to be free.
"I’ve played as a false nine before and as a right number eight – and even on the wing – and I feel like one of my strengths is that I can play in multiple positions.
“Throughout my career I’ve become better at arriving in the penalty box and finishing one touch. I feel like it’s an element of my game where I’ve progressed really well.”
Rangers are unbeaten in league action under Russell Martin but will be keen to turn draws into victories, starting with the visit of Derek McInnes' side.
There are new faces aplenty in the squad after an active summer transfer window and Aasgaard says he’s looking forward to strengthening the relationships inside the dressing room.
He added: “We go into every game [wanting to win], but I feel like a solid performance against Celtic, and a lot of the lads done well over the international break, it’s now an opportunity for the lads to train as well and gel together more.
“It’s a new group with new faces, and I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
“For any team it’s going to take a little while for relationships to form across the pitch.
"The last week or so has been really good for the new faces to train together and I’m really looking forward to building some relationships with some new players.”
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