Atmosphere will motivate me, says Molde’s Hestad

Molde FK captain Daniel Berg Hestad. Picture: Getty Images

The 40-year-old midfielder, who will retire as soon as the club’s Europa League campaign comes to an end, is going out with a bang after helping Molde establish a three-point lead at the top of Group A.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will attempt to complete a home-and-away double against the Hoops on Thursday after stunning Ronny Deila’s side in a 3-1 win last month.

And record-breaking appearance holder Berg Hestad admits he is planning to make the most of his remaining time as a professional footballer.

He said: “These games become more motivating and it gives you an extra boost in these battles. The formation the team plays is also one that suits my perfectly. I just sit and try to control things while the others take care of the attacking side.”

Molde manager Solskjaer admits the playmaker will definitely return to the side for the Celtic showdown after using Berg Hestad from the substitutes’ bench in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Viking.

The former Manchester United striker said: “Daniel will start against Celtic. He’s been incredibly good in Europe this season and has stood out on several occasions. He deserves it. He is a wonderful ambassador for the club and his family. So, unless something drastic happens, he’s going to start.

“He’s been incredibly clever to take care of himself. He looks after his body and eats the right things. He has been his own coach.

“He is also a competitive person. He manages to adjust himself mentally to hit form the peaks for such important matches.”