Move from Oslo to Glasgow will be massive shock to Velicka

Jun 29 2008 By Scott McDermott

NOTHING much will stay the same for Andrius Velicka in a fortnight's time. He will be a £1million Rangers player. Idolised by one half of a city, detested by the other.

Recognised wherever he goes, in constant demand by the media and his performances under the microscope every week.

Trying to measure that against what he's experiencing in Norway is like comparing Cliff Richard with Russell Brand.

I turned up at the Ulleval Stadium in Oslo yesterday an hour before Lyn's 1-1 draw with Velicka's Viking Stavanger.

And you would barely have known there was a game on. A tiny band of Viking fans sat quietly in a bar outside. Inside the ground loud music blared, falsely giving the impression of a vibrant atmosphere.

The top tier of Norway's national stadium was EMPTY thanks to a crowd of just 2,500.

Velicka's first game at Ibrox will either be a vital Champions League qualifier or a glamour pre-season friendly with Liverpool.

Viking boss Uwe Rosler only had Velicka as sub yesterday. He had a niggling ankle injury but was fit to start if selected.

Is it a worry for Gers fans that an ineffective frontman called Peter Ijeh took his place? Or has his mind just been distracted?

Only Velicka knows the answer but at 29 he'll be determined to make sure the Ulleval bench is the last one he sits on for a while.

While the Lithuanian kicked his heels on the sidelines, Old Firm cast-offs Maurice Ross and Thomas Myhre started for Viking.

Former Celtic kid Teddy Bjarnason played for Lyn who are managed by ex-Ger Henning Berg. Even Stale Stensaas (yep, remember him) was a sub for the home side.

Velicka only came on for the last 11 minutes and could do little to help as Lyn grabbed a late equaliser. At least Gers know he can't get injured if he doesn't play.