THE international break was a disappointing one for Mohamed Elyounoussi after Norway’s games were abruptly cancelled. However, the midfielder is well-versed in channelling negativity into motivation and is excited to be embarking on a busy run of fixtures with Celtic.
A positive COVID test from Elyounoussi’s international team-mate, Omar Elabdellaoui, ahead of Norway’s Nations League game away to Romania last Sunday (November 15) derailed the Scandinavians’ fixture schedule.
That denied Elyounoussi and Kristoffer Ajer the chance of playing time while the majority of their Celtic team-mates were in action. However, both players were able to resume training for their club and were both in the side which drew 2-2 with Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday.
Elyounoussi admitted it was a frustrating situation to go through, but the 26-year-old remains upbeat in his assertion that Norway’s misfortune could be Celtic’s gain.
“The international break didn’t come at a good time for us,” said Elyounoussi in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “It’s important to keep the momentum going as soon as you have a good win and it would have been nice to do that immediately after the Motherwell game. For me personally, the international break didn’t have any game, which I would have enjoyed, but it hasn’t impacted on me negatively.
“The only positive to take from it is I’m not injured and will be fresh for the busy run of games coming up with Celtic. It ended up being three or four days without proper team training, but Kris Ajer and I did a lot of gym work at the hotel to keep the fitness up.
This story is from the Vol 56 Issue 18 edition of Celtic View.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Vol 56 Issue 18 edition of Celtic View.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...
Jodie Bartle was delighted to score her first goal for Celtic, a week after her derby strike was controversially disallowed
TOMMY BHOY
Celtic legend was a supporter first, last and always
WOUNDED PRIDE
Christopher Jullien was a frustrated spectator as he recovered from injury, but now that he’s back, he’s determined to play his part along with his team-mates to get back to winning ways
ON THIS DAY
HISTORY OF PLAYERS
KEEP THE FAITH
Manager knows hard work can and will deliver an upturn in fortunes for his Celtic side
THE LAST WORD
NEXT week the Christmas edition of the Celtic View will be out, which means this will be the last column I write in 2020.
FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS APPEAL SPOTLIGHT: THE INVISIBLES
WE continue our spotlight series on the organisations we hope to support through this year’s Celtic FC Foundation Christmas Appeal, with a closer look at the work of The Invisibles, a Glasgow-based voluntary organisation, which aims to provide comfort to those living on the city’s streets.
LIVING THE DREAM
Danny Crainie was proud to wear the Hoops and he continues to back the team as a supporter
EVERYONE IS HURTING AT THE RUN WE'RE ON
IT was a disconsolate home dressing room at Celtic on Sunday, as the team reflected on their first domestic cup defeat in over four years.
9 from NINE
The View wants YOUR views on the Hoops’ remarkable decade of dominance
