Post by Taxigirl on Aug 11, 2005 8:29:33 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
Kevin Blackwell is keeping his fingers crossed that Eirik Bakke will stay clear of injury and play a major part in United's season.
The Norwegian international has spent the previous two seasons in and out of the treatment room with first tendinitis and then he suffered a cruciate ligament injury ahead of the 2004/05 season during Leeds' pre-season tour of Sweden.
He was able to return briefly last season, playing two minutes against Brighton at Elland Road, but was soon on the sidelines again after his knee flared up and he required a minor operation to clean up the cartilage in his knee.
The 27-year-old was though able to take part in all of United's pre-season games this summer and on Sunday played his first full 90 minutes in a competitive game for Leeds since February 2004, when the Whites held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at home.
Against Millwall he was a driving force in midfield and won the crucial penalty that David Healy put away to ensure the three points were bagged.
Now fit again, Blackwell just wants him to stay that way.
"I was very pleased with him on Sunday because having Eirik Bakke back in the side is like having a new player and he grew in stature as the game went on," said the Leeds boss.
"Eirik has a good reputation at the football club and we want him to stay and to play well. The fact that Eirik earns big money here does not mean a thing to me, what he needs to do is play well and a fit and firing Bakke is a great addition to the club.
"He has been through hell with injuries these past two years but that's hopefully all behind him now.
"I know Eirik is very fond of the club and he is happy to stay here, so please God we can keep him fit and he'll play his part this season."
Kevin Blackwell is keeping his fingers crossed that Eirik Bakke will stay clear of injury and play a major part in United's season.
The Norwegian international has spent the previous two seasons in and out of the treatment room with first tendinitis and then he suffered a cruciate ligament injury ahead of the 2004/05 season during Leeds' pre-season tour of Sweden.
He was able to return briefly last season, playing two minutes against Brighton at Elland Road, but was soon on the sidelines again after his knee flared up and he required a minor operation to clean up the cartilage in his knee.
The 27-year-old was though able to take part in all of United's pre-season games this summer and on Sunday played his first full 90 minutes in a competitive game for Leeds since February 2004, when the Whites held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at home.
Against Millwall he was a driving force in midfield and won the crucial penalty that David Healy put away to ensure the three points were bagged.
Now fit again, Blackwell just wants him to stay that way.
"I was very pleased with him on Sunday because having Eirik Bakke back in the side is like having a new player and he grew in stature as the game went on," said the Leeds boss.
"Eirik has a good reputation at the football club and we want him to stay and to play well. The fact that Eirik earns big money here does not mean a thing to me, what he needs to do is play well and a fit and firing Bakke is a great addition to the club.
"He has been through hell with injuries these past two years but that's hopefully all behind him now.
"I know Eirik is very fond of the club and he is happy to stay here, so please God we can keep him fit and he'll play his part this season."