They played for Celtic – Ulrik Laursen | OneFootball

Danish defender Ulrik Laursen was signed by Martin O’Neill back in 2002 for a fee of £1.3 million from Premiership rivals Hibs, after impressing in his two year stint at Easter Road…

Ulrik Laursen, Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic Wiki

It wasn’t hard to see why Martin liked the 6ft 3in Dane, as he was a solid, no-nonsense defender, who although a left back, was also capable of playing as a centre-back.

The Celtic manager and indeed the Celtic supporters knew all about the Danish defender’s capabilities as he was often a standout whenever the Hoops faced the Easter Road side, so he was heralded as a welcome addition to a strong looking defence that included the likes of Bobo Balde, Johan Mjallby, and Joos Valgeren.

Stuttgart – 27 February 2003: UEFA Cup, VfB Stuttgart – Celtic Glasgow; .: Ulrik Laursen, Paul Lambert and Neil Lennon of Glasgow Celtic. (Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty Images) 

Although the Dane was capable of playing at Centre back, it was his capabilities in his favoured position of left back that he was brought in to fill, which had become something of a problematic area during Martin O’Neill’s first reign as Celtic manager.

Martin O’Neill at that time preferred a 3-5-2 formation, but on occasion he would revert to a 4-4-2 system, and with Alan Thompson, Bobby Petta, and Steve Guppy more suited to an attacking role, he needed someone with natural defensive instincts. That’s why Ulrik Laursen was brought to the club.

27 February .2003 Photo: imago/MIS Christian Tiffert – Ulrik Laursen (Celtic Glasgow) VfB Stuttgart – Celtic 

Ulrik made his competitive Celtic debut in a 5-0 thumping of Dundee United at Celtic Park in August 2002, and despite a decent performance in his natural left back position, he failed to claim a regular place in the first team.

Despite not been seen as a regular, the Dane made 36 appearances in a campaign that promised so much, but somehow saw the club finish empty handed, which included a memorable UEFA cup run, that ended in an agonising defeat in Seville against Jose Mourinho’s Porto. Celtic suffered from fighting on so many fronts and the match officials and some other managers including over at Dunfermline, perhaps played a significant part in all that.

Blackburn Rovers v Celtic, UEFA Cup Second Round Dwight Yorke of Blackburn Rovers and Ulrik Laursen of Glasgow Celtic challenge during the UEFA Cup Second Round match between Blackburn Rovers and Glasgow Celtic at Ewood Park on November 14, 2002 in Blackburn, England. Photo Allstar Picture Library (IMAGO)

The Dane made a few appearances in the run to Seville, including appearing as a second half substitute appearance in the final itself.

Season 2003/04 saw a determined Celtic side put the disappointment of the previous season behind them as they won a domestic double, although it was a difficult one for Ulrik who was limited to just one appearance due to a succession of injuries.

Although on occasions when he was fit, he was overlooked for the right footed Jackie McNamara who took over the left back slot.

He made up for his absence the following year as despite still being seen as a squad player, he made 21 appearances in all competitions, but painfully the club missed out on the league title after another last day heartbreak at Fir Park on what was termed Black Sunday by the supporters.

Ulrik Laursen of Celtic does enough to prevent Claudio Caniggia of Rangers from reaching the ball during the Scottish Premier League match between Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic held on April 27, 2003 at the Ibrox. Celtic won the match 2-1. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

A Scottish Cup win was clinched the following week, although Ulrik was absent from the squad, in what proved to be Martin O’Neill’s last game in charge.

It also happened to be the end of the Danish defender’s Celtic career which saw him make 58 appearances. Football moves on and incoming Celtic boss Gordon Strachan let Laursen move back to his homeland after a £50,000 deal was agreed with former club Odense.

SEVILLE – MAY 21: A dejected Ulrik Laursen and Robert Douglas of Celtic after the winning goal goes in during the UEFA Cup Final match between Celtic and FC Porto held on May 21, 2003 at the Estadio Olimpico in Seville, Spain. FC Porto won the match and trophy 3-2 after extra-time. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Ulrik carved out a decent career for himself back in his native land for both Odense and then Copenhagen, whilst also gaining full international recognition as he won five full caps for the Danish national side.

He joined Celtic at a time when the core unit of the team was very strong and he was always seen as cover or as utility player, roles he fulfilled well enough when called upon. Ulrik Laursen was an  unsung hero of finest Celtic team we had for over a decade.

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