The £3.5million summer signing finally gave Gers fans a glimpse of what’s to come with his goal against Dundee United
19:29, 22 Oct 2025Updated 19:38, 22 Oct 2025
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If there was anyone who suffered under Russell Martin’s rigid Ibrox ideals, it was Thelo Aasgaard, writes Andy Newport in Bergen.
But the struggling playmaker is hoping Danny Rohl’s Rangers revamp will finally provide him with the room to manoeuvre.
The Gers faithful reacted to the former Luton’s ace £3.5million signing with excitement over the summer.
With a track record for scoring screamers from distance, the Ibrox punters were hoping to see the Norwegian international provide a real goal threat from midfield.
But they’ve been disappointed to see the 23-year-old spent most of his time in Glasgow so far knocking the ball backwards and sideways.
It’s not quite clear if he was simply operating to axed boss Martin’s possession-obsessed instructions or struggling under the weight of Ibrox expectations but whatever the reason, there’s no doubt he’s failed to live up to the big billing he received before moving north.
That was until Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United when for 45 minutes he gave the first real demonstration of what he can do with the shackles off – capping an encouraging display with a sensational opener.
It’s better late than never for Aasgaard and he’s hoping to really kick on with new gaffer Rohl now calling the shots on the touchline, starting with Thursday’s Europa League clash with Brann.
He said: “It was an unbelievable feeling to score my first goal.
“The goal came a bit later than I wanted it to, but hopefully I can take that positive energy into the next games and get a few more.
“Did it feel like I had a bit more freedom at the weekend? Yes, possibly. Credit to Stevie Smith. He laid down some basics for us and basically said to go and enjoy the game.
“I felt like I did, especially in the first 45 minutes.
“We know the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, but I think there were some positives to take out of that game.
“Ultimately, it was just having that freedom and enjoying getting closer to the box.
“My form’s been slightly frustrating but I think I’ve grown into the team.
“Do I have more to show? Yes, I think so. With the start of the season, it’s been tough. Of course, it’s disappointing to have this start, but I think individually I’m always going to strive for more.
“Hopefully the last game showed a little bit of what I can do.
Thelo Aasgaard of Rangers celebrates his goal with the fans(Image: Kirk O’Rourke/Rangers FC/Shutterstock)
“I think Russell’s style of play was unique and I think that also suited me well.
“But obviously when results don’t go your way, then like I said before in football, it can change so quick.
“It’s only been a couple of days with the new manager, but he’s tried really hard to get as much information without overloading us.
“We’re going to try and take that on to the pitch tomorrow.”
Rohl’s only had two sessions on the training pitch with his new group but Aasgaard is already excited by what he’s seen from the former Sheffield Wednesday boss.
“He wants us to play with big intensity on and off the ball,” he said. “He’s mentioned a lot about his pressing style of play.
“I think that also can suit me and use my presence, but also take my calmness on the ball and try and work my way into the system.
“I think it will take a while for us to be fully prepared in a match as a perfect team that he wants, but I’m really looking forward to that process.
“We’ve just got to adjust as a team and we’ll be fine.”
Martin drew stick from fans when he admitted his players had struggled to deal with the massive pressure levels being heaped upon them by seething supporters.
But Aasgaard is determined to live up to the fans’ demands.
He said: “It’s been intense and the demand is very high — so it should be when you’re playing for such a big club. It’s an honour.
“I’ll never step on the pitch and not be grateful to wear the shirt.
“Obviously the pressure comes, but I’ve enjoyed embracing it at times. I’m sure we’ve got plenty more positive days to come.”
Aasgaard was born in Liverpool but at international level he represents the land of his Oslo-born dad Jonathan.
And he’s hoping to put on a show for his countrymen this evening as he plots a place in Stale Solbakken’s World Cup squad next summer.
“I think I’ve shown them what I can do,” said the five-cap hopeful. “I know a few of the lads who are playing for Brann, so that will be exciting.
“For sure, the World Cup is a motivation.
“I spoke about that when I signed. It’s a big reason for me coming here, playing European football in a main league, a really tough division where I can show my quality. Of course, that’s a big incentive for me.”