Bjorn Helge Riise hopes that his European performances might persuade Fulham boss Roy Hodgson to give him an opportunity to start a Premier League game.
The Norwegian midfielder, who signed from Lillestrom in the summer, has been restricted to one substitute appearance at West Ham in the league this season despite impressing in Fulham’s Europa Cup run. Riise knows he’s got some tough competitors in the fight for a starting spot.
I have to take every chance that I get, so if it’s the Europa League or a training match, I just have to play my best in the chances I get. I’m going to work hard in training and then the Manager will pick out the best team.
That’s part of the team game, when you play with so many good players like you do at Fulham, you just have to train hard, do your best and at some point you will get your chance – and then you have to take it. The Manager talks to me and lets me know when I do well and when I have to improve. I think it’s important to get feedback.
I like competition, I think that makes everybody a better player because then you have to be your best in every training session. Of course you have a lot of games as well so it’s good for everybody.
We’ve played well in recent games and I think the confidence in the team is good. With the games coming up, if we play the same way as we have done, we’re going to get points.
