Solskjaer backs Norwegians to shine

24 January 2014 15:01

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident his Norwegian contingent has what it takes to thrive in English football.

Solskjaer has already acquired compatriots Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Mats Moller Daehli from Heerenveen and Molde respectively.

And striker Jo Inge Berget, 23, will make it a trio of Norwegian signings when he completes his own move from Molde on Friday.

The trio all worked with Solskjaer at Molde and all share an agent with the former Manchester United striker.

They may not have been the big name signings some Cardiff fans would have hoped for, but Solskjaer has no doubts over the qualities of Eikrem, Daehli and Berget.

"We are talking about three full internationals I have brought in for a very cheap price compared to what they give us," he said.

"They are long-term value for money.

"Of course the haven't played in the Premier League but they are all full internationals and I know them because I have had them before.

"I know their personalities."

Of Berget, who completed a medical on Thursday, Solskjaer added: "He is a forward, only had four or five months left on his contract so he came on a very good deal for us.

"He knows the way I want to play. He is a secondary forward. He is strong, very intelligent and clever and scored against England in the Under-21 European Championships. So he will do well for us."

Another man expected to complete a move to Cardiff is Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha.

The 21-year-old has made just four appearances for the Red Devils this season, one of which came in the Community Shield win over Wigan.

A move to Cardiff would allow the England cap to gain regular first-team action, but Solskjaer insisted, contrary to reports, that the player has not had a medical.

''You have to ask Manchester United,'' said the Bluebirds boss. ''He is a Manchester United player. I cannot comment about players who are not Cardiff players. Nothing has been concluded.

"I can confirm he has not had a medical for Cardiff. I can say that. I don't know what he has done with other clubs but he has not had a medical with Cardiff."

Press Association Sport understands Cardiff are also close to completing a deal for Wigan defender Ivan Ramis as Solskjaer continues to strengthen his squad with the Bluebirds currently bottom of the Premier League.

Source: PA