Molde look to continue revival against Legia

After two successive Norwegian Premier Division titles, Molde FK have endured a testing 2013 campaign – now, though, they might just be turning the corner.

The departure of key players such as Vegard Forren and Davy Claude Angan prompted owner Kjell Inge Røkke to seek reinforcements in order to help coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The former Manchester United FC striker has since been busy in the transfer market, perhaps most importantly securing a deal to bring back Forren from Southampton FC, where he had failed to make a single appearance. The steady centre-back jumped at the chance to return to Norway.

"I needed to play football, and I wasn't near to getting any time on the pitch for Southampton," said the 25-year-old Norwegian international. "I hope that I can contribute to more success for Molde." Hoping to do likewise is arguably the club's most exciting acquisition of recent times, 18-year-old Mats Møller Dæhli. Viewed as one of the most promising midfield talents to have emerged from Norway in recent years, Dæhli arrived from Old Trafford after three years at Solskjær's old club.

"Dæhli is one of the biggest European talents in his age group, so of course we are delighted to sign him at Molde," said Solskjær. The signing of Dæhli is part of an developing trend at Molde, with Solskjær increasingly keen to bring in young Norwegian talent. Another who has made the move to join the champions is 20-year-old striker Fredrik Gulbrandsen, who left Lillestrøm SK to play under Molde's highly-regarded coach.

Gulbrandsen is out of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round decider against Legia Warszawa having been suspended in last week's first leg. However, with the tie locked at 1-1 and his side beaten only once in their last 14 games in all competitions, the young forward will be hopeful that Molde's resurgence can continue.