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BAKKE IN THE OLD ROUTINE
EXCLUSIVE
By PAUL DEWS
In NORWAY
EIRIK BAKKE returned to his homeland with Leeds United yesterday and vowed to resurrect his Elland Road career.
The Norwegian international, who is expected to start his first senior game for 18 months when Leeds take on local side Haugesund tomorrow, has shrugged off speculation about his future and insists he wants to build on his early glory days.
Bakke, who is the focus of attention for local football fans here in Stavanger, has been linked with Birmingham City and Aston Villa, but the midfielder says he is firmly focused on the challenge of helping Leeds to a Premiership return.
He told the YEP: "There's always going to be speculation, but I'm happy at Leeds and I want to stay at Leeds.
"There have been rumours about Birmingham and Villa, but Leeds is a big club and it's more challenging for me to help Leeds back into the Premiership.
"I don't mean any disrespect in that, but the size that this club is and the people here...I want to help get this club back where it belongs.
"I want to stay – it doesn't matter which division we are in. I'm paid to play and do a job and I think we've got a chance this season. It'll be tough because there are some good sides, but we've got a good squad.
"Our squad last season went close but when you look at this squad then we really do have a chance."
Bakke featured for just two minutes last term, as a substitute against Brighton in January, after damaging his cruciate during the pre-season tour of Sweden.
For the first time since last summer he is now back in full training and, after completing two weeks of fitness work at Thorp Arch, he is now relishing the prospect of kicking a ball again as United's pre-season campaign hots up.
"It's good to be back playing football again," Bakke admitted. "It's been a long while. My legs feel heavy, but they will do.
"It's always tougher when you have been out and I'm finding it harder now the football has started, but it will come. It's only a month until we start, but my knee is good.
"Wednesday will be tough, but even if I feel heavy it will be good playing again for the first team. Hopefully, now I can stay injury free and play week in, week out."
Bakke was in similar mood last summer until his season was wrecked when he caught his leg in the turf during a pre-season game against Swedish part-timers Pitea.
But he isn't thinking about that – he is just concentrating on winning a starting place when the season kicks off next month.
Bakke said: "There are eight central midfielders here now and I know when it comes to the seventh of August everyone will want to play. I'm one of them."
BAKKE IN THE OLD ROUTINE
EXCLUSIVE
By PAUL DEWS
In NORWAY
EIRIK BAKKE returned to his homeland with Leeds United yesterday and vowed to resurrect his Elland Road career.
The Norwegian international, who is expected to start his first senior game for 18 months when Leeds take on local side Haugesund tomorrow, has shrugged off speculation about his future and insists he wants to build on his early glory days.
Bakke, who is the focus of attention for local football fans here in Stavanger, has been linked with Birmingham City and Aston Villa, but the midfielder says he is firmly focused on the challenge of helping Leeds to a Premiership return.
He told the YEP: "There's always going to be speculation, but I'm happy at Leeds and I want to stay at Leeds.
"There have been rumours about Birmingham and Villa, but Leeds is a big club and it's more challenging for me to help Leeds back into the Premiership.
"I don't mean any disrespect in that, but the size that this club is and the people here...I want to help get this club back where it belongs.
"I want to stay – it doesn't matter which division we are in. I'm paid to play and do a job and I think we've got a chance this season. It'll be tough because there are some good sides, but we've got a good squad.
"Our squad last season went close but when you look at this squad then we really do have a chance."
Bakke featured for just two minutes last term, as a substitute against Brighton in January, after damaging his cruciate during the pre-season tour of Sweden.
For the first time since last summer he is now back in full training and, after completing two weeks of fitness work at Thorp Arch, he is now relishing the prospect of kicking a ball again as United's pre-season campaign hots up.
"It's good to be back playing football again," Bakke admitted. "It's been a long while. My legs feel heavy, but they will do.
"It's always tougher when you have been out and I'm finding it harder now the football has started, but it will come. It's only a month until we start, but my knee is good.
"Wednesday will be tough, but even if I feel heavy it will be good playing again for the first team. Hopefully, now I can stay injury free and play week in, week out."
Bakke was in similar mood last summer until his season was wrecked when he caught his leg in the turf during a pre-season game against Swedish part-timers Pitea.
But he isn't thinking about that – he is just concentrating on winning a starting place when the season kicks off next month.
Bakke said: "There are eight central midfielders here now and I know when it comes to the seventh of August everyone will want to play. I'm one of them."
