Baptism of fire for Norwegian youngster

LEO HJELDE had a torrid introduction to Ross County on Saturday afternoon.

The 17-year-old Norwegian headed to Dingwall at the end of last week on loan from Celtic and was thrown straight in for the game against Rangers.

There was no let up from Steven Gerrard’s men from first minute to last with Hjelde accepting the nature of the steep learning curve.

“It was a tough experience against a very good team,” he said. “We were playing against the best team in Scotland right now, and you learn from the best as well.

“I came to Ross County to get some game time, to get experience and hopefully show Celtic that I can play next season.

“I think it could be a very good spell for me. I just need to keep myself up and hopefully I can be playing.

“I came up earlier in the week but the signing didn’t go through until Friday.

“It has been good, I have enjoyed training with the lads and I’ve got a good feel for them. It’s a good group. They have been including me in the group and they have been very nice.

“When you play against the toughest team in the league right now, it was always going to be difficult.

“The game is over now so we just have to look onwards to the next game against Motherwell on Wednesday, and that’s what we are looking forward to.”

Any ambition John Hughes had of sustaining the bounce his side got from their 4-1 win over Aberdeen was quickly forgotten at Ibrox, but the former defender has already made an impression on the teenager.

“The manager has been brilliant,” he said. “He is a nice character and he knows what he’s doing. He has been preparing me very well for the move.”