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Harald Brattbakk: Celtic can still catch Rangers
Thursday, 25 February 2010 15:17
Giving Richard Gough two black eyes my best Old Firm memory reveals Norwegian striker
By Gary McDaniel
Former Celtic striker Harald Brattbakk believes the hoops can overturn Rangers seven point advantage just like Rosenborg did in the Norwegian League in his second spell there in 2002.
The big Norwegian striker is fondly remembered by Celtic fans for netting the clinching goal in a two-nil win over St Johnstone in 1998 to prevent Rangers from achieving ten in a row.
Brattbakk’s time at Parkhead was one of mixed fortunes but regards his spell as the highlight of his career. The 39 year old, who is now a pilot in his homeland, believes Tony Mowbray should be given the time to turn around his former club’s fortunes.
He also regards giving ex-Gers defender Richard Gough two black eyes as his best memory of playing in an old firm game.
The former Norwegian internationalist also has a high regard for fellow countrymen Thomas Rogne, who he believes could be a big star for Mowbray’s side.
“Old Firm games are very special. I loved going away to Loch Lomond with the team in preparation for the matches. My fondest memory of playing Rangers, in my time at Celtic, was the New Year derby of 1998. I roughed up Richard Gough and gave him two black eyes.” Brattbakk beamed.
“I still follow Celtic as they are one of the biggest teams in the world. It’s fun following all the buzz which goes on at a club like Celtic. I know they have struggled of late but Tony Mowbray needs to be given time to build a strong team.
“Sunday’s game is a massive match but there can never be too much pressure in such a game. It is how the players cope with it that will decide the outcome of these derbies.
“With regards to Celtic overhauling Rangers advantage, it can be done. When I was at Rosenborg in 2002 we were ten points behind with twelve games remaining. We dug deep and eventually won the league by eight clear points.” Brattbakk said.
Celtic look set to give young Norwegian defender Thomas Rogne an old firm debut but Brattbakk believes his former team have signed a true star in the 19 year-old.
“A definite star of the future. He is still quite inexperienced but if you are good enough, you are old enough,” he added.
Brattbakk looks back on his time in Glasgow as one of the highlights of his career, especially that last day drama in 1998.
“Stopping Rangers doing ten in a row and winning the title on the same day is probably never going to happen again. It was the most memorable day of my career. Although beating AC Milan at the San Siro while at Rosenborg is up there as well.
“The team of 98 all met up a couple of years ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of that momentous day, it was a fantastic weekend,” he added.
The former record scoring Rosenborg striker is now an airline pilot and admits it was the only job he could have done to match the thrill of being a footballer after giving up the game.
Brattback said: “I had one goal after retiring; to find a job that was equally as fun as football. Being a pilot flying a corporate jet isn’t too bad.”
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