Why Rangers attacker Thelo Aasgaard has not been selected for Norway

• Thelo Aasgaard has been wildly inconsistent for Rangers this season
• Aasgaard has been left out of the Norway squad for their upcoming friendlies
• Journalist Andreas Korssund believes it’s more than his performances that have cost him his place

Thelo Aasgaard has been one of Rangers’ most inconsistent performers for the Gers this season. 

The Norwegian attacker signed for £3.5 million to bring a creative spark and technical brilliance to the Rangers’ frontline.

Instead, his strong performances have come few and far between, often playing as a passenger in most outings.

His inconsistent displays have led to his omission from the Norwegian national team ahead of their friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland.

You would think his lack of performance in a Rangers jersey is the main cause for his failure to make the squad.

However, prominent Norwegian journalist Andreas Korssund believes a domestic factor has played its part in his omission.

Domestic trust

“It is somewhat surprising that he has been omitted, but it seems that Ståle Stolbakken has chosen to trust more players who play in the Norwegian Eliteserien.”

“Among other things, Bodø/Glimt has included more players than before on the team after their fantastic Champions League season. That makes it tighter for the other spots.”

Bodo/Glimt made an extraordinary run in the Champions League this season, beating Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan.

Korssund continued, “Felix Horn Myhre, who plays for Brann, was incredibly good last season in the Eliteserien and therefore now gets the opportunity.”

Though he’s not been selected in this squad, Korssund didn’t rule out Aasgaard being selected for the World Cup.

“It is very tight for places, and it is probably not so much about Thelo’s performances in themselves, but the competition.”

“It is still completely open, and Thelo still has opportunities to be included in the World Cup, but he must perform.”

Thelo Aasgaard must shine 

With a stronger emphasis on domestic players, Thelo Aasgaard must shine if he wants to go to the United States. 

The run-in for Rangers couldn’t be any better for the Norwegian star, with a Premiership title on the line.

Andreas Skov Olsen has been battling illness, while Connor Barron and Mo Diomande attempt to return to 100% fitness. 

There will be chances for Aasgaard to make an impact in the remaining seven games, just like he did against St Mirren. 

However, if he plays as he did against Aberdeen, Norway will be going to the World Cup without him. 

In the Premiership, Aasgaard has registered four goals and three assists in 26 matches. 

Is that World Cup material? 

Read Rangers analysis 

Following the comments of Andreas Korrsund, Aasgaard must step up immeasurably to earn a World Cup spot. 

With a Premiership title and a World Cup spot on the line, he has all the motivation in the world to perform. 

Aasgaard has been a passenger in too many games this season, but his quality is there for all to see when he’s on it.