By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Edvin Austbø started Norway Under-21s’ goalless draw with the Netherlands on Friday but, mercifully for West Ham, his involvement lasted only 62 minutes.
There were no goals or assists for the Hammers winger, although he did win two fouls as Norway collected the point which moved them closer to European Championship qualification.
Ordinarily, an hour of international football would barely register. However, Austbø has become increasingly important to West Ham during an international break which has seen Manor Solomon absolutely rinsed.
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Solomon is being asked to play four games in just 11 days and it is difficult to imagine him returning to Rush Green as anything other than absolutely knackered.
That makes Austbø’s availability particularly important. The Norwegian is direct cover for Solomon and demonstrated what he can offer when coming off the bench to good effect against Millwall. He is clearly not completely outside Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans.
Nils Koppen also explained during his interview with the club’s official website that Austbø was recruited to perform a particular role within the squad. Given Solomon’s workload, West Ham may need him to perform it sooner rather than later.
Austbø is due to represent Norway again against Bosnia and Herzegovina today, so there is still one more nervous watch ahead. Providing he returns without injury, his 62-minute appearance against the Netherlands should not have taken too much out of him.
I still find myself biting my fingernails as every international report comes in, desperately hoping West Ham do not receive news of an injury which could seriously damage our promotion campaign.
At least this time, Austbø appears to have emerged unscathed… so far.