European Qualifiers: Martin Odegaard in line for historic Norway debut
Thursday 9 October 2014 18:12, UK
History could be made at the Ta'Qali national stadium on Friday night as Norway consider giving a competitive debut to 15-year-old Martin Odegaard.
Should he feature in the Group H clash away to Malta, the Stromsgodset winger would become the youngest player to play in European Championship qualifying.
The record is held by Iceland's former Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Siggi Jonsson, who was aged 16 years and 251 days when he made his qualifying debut in June 1983 - also against Malta.
Odegaard played in the goalless friendly against the United Arab Emirates in August and told Aftenposten: "It feels really good to be part of a European Championship qualifying squad.
"I do not know if I will start. But I have been brought out here because they feel I'm ready to play. Of course I want to play as much as possible but I will not stress about it."
Per-Mathias Hogmo's side will be looking to bounce back from their opening 2-0 defeat to Italy, who continue their campaign in Palermo against Azerbaijan.
Croatia's Dejan Lovren is another absentee, sidelined by an abdominal injury with his place in the squad to face Bulgaria in Sofia taken by Panathinaikos' Gordon Schildenfeld.
Both teams won their opening games and Croatia coach Niko Kovac is aware of the test posed by the Bulgarians.
"As in every other away game, we want to win but we know it will be difficult," he told the Croatian Football Federation's website.
"Bulgaria are an improving team who at home are very demanding opponents, as other teams have already experienced. They are disciplined, organised, and have a system similar to ours.
"Three points would mean more to us than one, but if it is one we can be happy. However, I know that we have enough quality to win."
Next Tuesday's fixtures in the qualifying double-headers see Croatia host Azerbaijan, Italy travel to Malta and Norway take on Bulgaria.
