Marc Nygaard recently received a shock re-call to the Denmark squad, he now looks set to take his place in the starting line-up on Saturday.
Vital QPR regular and Denmark resident Kenneth Johansen aka ‘ACE` helps run the rule over Nygaard`s shock re-inclusion into the international fray.
Following his release in February, Marc Nygaard returned home to Denmark where he joined up with SAS Ligaen side Randers FC, managed by former Bolton and Bradford boss Colin Todd.
Randers FC is relatively in its infancy, created by a merger in 2003 between the historically established Randers Freja (founded 1898 and cup winners 1967, 1968, 1973) and five neighbouring smaller clubs (Dronningborg Boldklub, Kristrup Boldklub, Vorup Frederiksberg Boldklub, Hornbæk Sports Forening, Randers KFUM).
A brief foray into the SAS Ligaen for the first time in the clubs recent history in 2004/05 ended in disaster as the ambitious side finished rock bottom and were relegated. In 2006 they bounced back in style by gaining promotion and winning a domestic cup, ensuring a UEFA Cup Qualification spot eventually losing out to Fenerbahçe SK.
Since his move Marc has kicked his goals to game ratio up a notch by bagging 7 goals in 13 starts for Randers FC.
Nygaard seems to have given his career a nudge in the right direction in his homeland, and his reasons were simple for returning to Denmark and Randers FC,
‘I made the switch back to Denmark to show who I am, and to pursue the possibility to play for the national side.’ Marc told bold.dk
These indeed were bold thoughts from the man mountain striker, but not even the man himself could have imagined he could return to the international set-up so fast, after a long six years in the wilderness.
“This is a great honour for me, and it has been a goal for me to achieve this again, it’s fantastic that it actually happened.” said Marc,
“The team has changed a lot in six years, but at this point it’s hard for me to say if the level has gone up, but the level at training yesterday was pretty high, fantastic players really,” Marc continued.
“To train on a great pitch like this with good team mates sharpens me as a player, it’s a challenge and it’s a chance to improve’
Speaking yesterday Nygaard was excited about the prospect of performing against Hungary in the World Cup Qualifier at the weekend, but still perhaps resigned himself to being on the periphery behind Arsenal front-man Nicklas Bendtner.
‘I’m preparing myself as if I’m going to play the game.” Marc told bold.dk
“My mind is ready and I’m prepared to give everything if Morten Olsen needs me. Obviously there’s a possibility for me to play if Nicklas Bendtner won’t recover in time. I’m preparing myself mentally and I’m trying to do my utmost at training.’
The news that Marc Nygaard may actually start against Hungary this weekend was broken last night on national television station dr.dk.
Manager Morten Olsen was resigned to the fact he may not have Nicklas Bendtner ready in time to compete, and commented that it was time for other players to step in and make a difference, upon which the camera cut to a very motivated Marc Nygaard during training.
Running concurrent with his time at QPR, opinion is divided concerning the giant forward, with messageboard users on bold.dk arguing out the case for including the recently turned 33 year old striker.
One person stated, ‘Hell this must be a joke, I didn’t realise that this Nygaard is in the team I mean this is a very important game coming up. That says a lot about the level of forward material we have when he gets it. It’s a travesty’
Whilst another user, presumably a Randers FC fan backed the forward, ‘Dear Marc. I also report ready and motivated. Do Randers FC and Denmark the favour to knock in a few goals down there…then we can shut those wining sceptics up. Rock’em Nygaard!’
ACE, A Danish born QPR fan was also at odds to explain Nygaard`s inclusion back in the side,
“Personally as a QPR fan I think it’s a laugh that Nygaard gets this opportunity after being forgotten in six years in Danish sporting press. All the time playing his professional football at perceived smaller clubs”
Starting his career with Danish giants FC Copehagen, his career took him to the following clubs:
Holland
1995-1997: SC Heerenveen
1997-1998: MVV Maastricht
1998-2002: Roda JC
Belgium
2002-2003: Excelsior Mouscron
Italy
2003-2005: Brescia
England
2005-2008: QPR
Since then he has returned back to Denmark with a rejuvenated Randers FC, under the guidance of Colin Todd, and recently acquired former Glasgow Rangers central defender Steven Presselly to epitomise the clubs new found ambition.
Nygaard was not the only Danish player to feature in a Rangers shirt Kurt Bakholt and Mikkel Beck both wearing the Hoops in the R`s recent history.
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