Rogne hopes to be fit for semi-final

Thomas Rogne is confident of being fit for Norway’s European Championship semi-final against Holland or Spain on Saturday.

The Celtic defender had to be substituted early in the second half of Norway’s 1-1 draw with Italy which secured their place in the last four.

Despite losing twice to England in the qualifying group the Norwegians showed their class in Israel by picking up five points while Stuart Pearce’s wonderkids went home pointless despite qualifying with all guns blazing.

Illustrating the depth of talent that the Norwegians have manager Tor Ole Skullerud made nine changes from the side that beat England for the draw with Italy.

“I should be ok,” Rogne said looking ahead to the semi final. “I struggled with some cramp and didn’t feel right so it made sense to come off and hopefully be ready for the next match.”

While Group A was tightly contested with Norway edging out hosts Israel by a point Group B has been much more clear cut with both Holland and Spain taking full points from their first two matches.

The two nations meet tonight with the winner going through to meet Norway while the group runner up faces Italy.

After reaching the last four Norway coach Skullerud said: “We have met the best team so far. Italy were very good, they have good skills and play with a good tempo. We had trouble in the first half getting the ball. It was a bit better after the break because we made some changes and looked better.

“The two teams that play tomorrow (Spain and Holland) are very strong. It will be difficult to pick one of them so we’ll take whichever we get. We are very happy to have gone through without losing.

“We have played well in the group stage and we have a good squad. We have a year where we have a lot of players born in 1991, so lots to choose from. By Norwegian standards the level is high.”