During the past years, Rosenborg has not been good at letting young, promising "local lads" get a chance to play for the club. RBK coach Ola By Rise promises improvements.

YOUNG AND PROMISING: RBK has several highly talented youngsters, here represented by Alexander Tettey, who turned 18 at Apr 4th. Happy birthday by the way! Photo: Thomas Myren

"Jo Tessem [Southampton, currently on loan to FC Lyn Oslo] was discussed during the winter; however, the newspapers did most of the discussion. Even though he is a nice fellow and also counts as a local lad, he is 32 years of age, and I feared that he would have become little more than a highly paid reserve with international experience. Better, then, to let lads like Alexander Tettey and Christian Sæther Moen have a chance," the new RBK boss finds.

This winter, Ola By has delivered according to this promise. Many young players have gained playing time in friendlies. In addition to the two aforementioned, seven different juniors has been in the squads - actually playing, or at least sitting on the bench. Several of them have delivered impressing performances.

"School. He must of course attend school, but that is the only reason why a player like Per Ciljan Skjelbred hasn't been accepted in the main squad. Although he is only 16, I believe we will have to let him play a match now and then the coming years, so that hopefully at 18 he has become a very good player."

"All in all I think our juniors look very good this year. Skjelbred is a definite highlight, but in addition, players like Martin Lund (born 1986, wing) and Ole Kristian Kråkmo (1985, midfielder) are close to the main squad. Aksel Skjølsvik (1987, forward) and Michael Jamtfall (1987, forward) also have that potential."

"But none of these can or shall be made stars of just yet. They still only have qualified for the second stage," Ola By Rise concludes.