Bakke out of Norway squad

Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke has pulled out of the Norway squad for next week’s friendly in Northern Ireland.

Despite playing the full 90 minutes of Leeds’ 4-1 win over Wolves last night, Bakke is suffering from a thigh injury and will not be risked.

“Eirik is suffering with an over-stretched muscle in his thigh and he needs rest,” Norway coach Aage Hareide told broadcasting company NRK.

“It’s not long since he made his comeback from a lengthy injury pause – and with a difficult match schedule, it’s easy for things to develop negatively for him.”

Bakke’s withdrawal comes less then a day after midfielder Trond Andersen also pulled out because of injury.

Uncapped Alexander Odegaard has been called up to replace Bakke. The 23-year-old, who plays for Sogndal, has made two appearances at under-21s level.