Thelo Aasgaard on his Rangers transfer chance and Shaun Maloney influence
He grew up idolising Liverpool stars like Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho.
And as he got older, he loved watching Real Madrid aces Luka Modric and Isco.
But when Rangers new boy Thelo Aasgaard was trying to make a name for himself in the game at Wigan Athletic - it was a CELTIC man who had the biggest influence.
For two years at the DW Stadium, Shaun Maloney helped to nurture Aasgaard's talent - and gave him the freedom to express himself, even in England's League One.
Maloney was in charge of the struggling Latics but at least tried to let flair players shine.
Aasgaard was one of them and he'll never forget the impact his ex-gaffer had on his development.
His performances for Wigan earned him a big move to Luton Town - and this summer he's been snared by new Ibrox boss Russell Martin.
Aasgaard is now a full Norway international and has his sights set on the World Cup next summer.
Maloney - who is now back at Celtic working under Brendan Rodgers - played a key part in his progression.
The Rangers new boy said: 'I was a Liverpool fan growing up so I watched a lot of Gerrard and Torres.
'But as I got older and I analysed the game more, I liked watching Coutinho, Isco, Modric, those types of players.
'I've got a long way to go before I reach their level but I'm chasing it.
'And Shaun was a big influence on me, I have to give him a lot of credit.
'He helped me at Wigan because we didn't have the best team in League One the season before last.
'But he tried to get us playing good football and it really suited me.
'I got some goals there and Shaun got it right with me. He wanted me to be a leader on the pitch.
'He gave me that responsibility and I'd like to think I took that on.
'I got myself a move off the back of it and now I'm at Rangers.
'At Luton last season, I spoke to Kal Naismith a fair bit about the club.
'I wasn't too sure about the city because I hadn't been to Scotland that much.
'But I've always kept tabs on how Rangers were doing.'
So far in Aasgaard's fledgling career, he's been fighting fires at the wrong end of league tables.
He's a creative, inventive player who wants to conjure up chances and score goals.
And he feels that playing under Martin at Ibrox will finally give him a chance to fulfil his potential.
The 23-year-old said: 'This will be one of the first times in my career I'll be playing for a team with a lot of possession.
'At Wigan, we weren't one of the better teams in the league.
'We did try to play a bit of football but at Rangers, it'll be the first time I'll be operating at the top end of the table.
'I want to be part of build-up play and link up with my team-mates.
'But at the same time, I know I need to have a cutting edge at the top end of the pitch, threading through balls and getting on the end of crosses.
'I want to create chances and score goals.
'I've got to embrace the pressure at Rangers. It's a new challenge for me.
'Usually, I've been at one of the bottom teams. So I'm really excited to be here.
'There's nothing to fear and I'm looking to make an impact.
'I'm a pretty laid-back character off the pitch. But on it, I try to make myself one of the leaders, in my own way.
'I'll take the ball under pressure. Whenever there's a big game with a big crowd, I remind myself why I started playing football - it's because I love it.'
Aasgaard was part of a Luton side who were relegated from the English Championship last term.
That alerted Martin and Rangers to his availability.
And when Norway gaffer Stale Solbakken told him he'd have to be playing at a higher level to compete internationally with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland - Aasgaard took note.
Now, he's got the chance to win trophies at Ibrox, as well as play in Europe with a Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos just around the corner.
The former Liverpool youth star said: 'When the national manager said he wanted me playing at a higher level, it had a big impact on me.
'If I want to be playing at the World Cup, he wants me to challenge myself at the highest level possible.
'With an opportunity like this at Rangers, it was hard to turn down.
'Hopefully he's happy.
'It's a pleasure to meet up with the national team, I learn so much when I go away.
'I feel like I become a better player every time I go because I'm playing with some unbelievable quality.
'I'd like to think I've held my own there and shown myself well. I want to continue improving at Rangers.
'The history of this club speaks for itself and the manager being here was a big thing for me.
'Especially playing this style of football.
'Also, I want to focus on the World Cup. That's obviously a massive goal of mine so it was important for me to be in the top league of a country and playing in a position where I'd be playing for the national team.
'So loads of things like that made Rangers stick out. This move ticked a load of boxes.
'Playing in Europe would enhance my international chances as well but we've got to get there first.
'I think we're ready for that.'
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