Bakke Pulls Out Of Irish Friendly

Last updated : 11 February 2004 By Kevin Markey
He played the full 90 minutes of Leeds' 4-1 win over Wolves last night but 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.''

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