Helsingborg have signed Nikola Djurdjic on loan from Norwegian side Haugsund and are likely to give him his debut against Celtic tomorrow night.
Last week’s departure of Alfie Finnbogasson left HIF searching for a replacement for the Finnish striker who had scored 12 goals since during his loan spell from Lokern.
Until a year ago Djurdjic played alongside Thomas Sørum for the Norwegian side with HIF’s Norwegian boss Age Hareide hoping that the two strikers can knock Celtic out of the Champions League.
“It’s been a few hectic days,” the new signing admitted. “One moment I did not think I would find, but now I’m here.”
Djurdjic has spent the last four seasons at Haugsund scoring 14 league goals in 27 appearances last season and has scored five times in his last four matches.
Despite signing a striker HIF coach Age Hareide has made it quite clear that he’ll be happy to accept a 0-0 draw tomorrow night.
He said: “We can go to Glasgow to defend the 0-0 well, the pressure is on Celtic. It would give us counter-attacking opportunities.
“It is mentally difficult to play a game where you have to constantly watch out for counter attacks. Everything from 0-0 and up is a good result for Helsingborg in the morning. We will not let in goals.
“Against Celtic, I think it is an advantage to start at home. We would have pressure on us if we had got a 0-0 or 0-1 in Glasgow or even won the game. Then we would have to defend in front of our fans and that could get anxious.”
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Panic stations in Helsingborg!
I think this is a good bit of bis if this pays off….. This is what the board should have done fortunately we have Watt and Hoops (hopefully) but very shrewd from the swedes
This isn’t about what Helsingborg can do….but what WE DO….Take the initiative and grab the midfield, control the tempo of the game and press them for 90 mins. We should show no fear, controlled confident approach – better players, faster, fitter more skilled, experienced we should set the pace from the outset and keep the tempo high. Play it like a home tie get the fans on their backs.
This article highlights the ineptitude of our board. Helsingborg can sniff the champions league group stages and are investing in their team, trying to guarantee entry.
Conversely, we will wait to see if we qualify and then maybe spend money. It is showing a lack of ambition and poor business planning.
With a little investment in a striker and a central defender, or just one of either, we would greatly increase our chances of getting through this tie. Remember, a 3/4 million pound investment now could be worth 20-25 million!