Why Portsmouth new-boy Rasmus Nicolaisen would rather face Northampton and Lincoln than sit on bench for Midtjylland against Liverpool and Ajax

The current Danish Superliga title-winners have qualified for the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Ties against two of the biggest names in world football – Liverpool and Ajax – lie in wait, while a double-header against Serie A side Atalanta shouldn’t be sniffed at.

But for Pompey new-boy Rasmus Nicolaisen, he won’t be looking on with envy as he sees his former team-mates take part in the game’s biggest club competition.

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The Blues loanee swapped the MCH Arena side for Fratton Park last month as he went in search of much-needed game time.

He’s yet to feature in League One for Kenny Jackett’s side, with his run out in Pompey’s EFL Trophy win at Southend in midweek his only appearance so far.

But the intention is there to change that as soon as possible.

The ambitious 23-year-old centre-back is here to play football.

And if that mean’s lining up for the Blues at Northampton on October 27 when Midtjylland travel to Anfield, or against Lincoln the following week when his pals host Ajax, then so be it.

His sole focus is on featuring as much as he can for Pompey and developing as a player so he too can play a key role in such big occasions in the future.

Nicolaisen said: ‘There are some big games (for Midtjylland in this season’s Champions League), but I'm not thinking about it this year.

‘I'm just happy to be here, aiming to get a lot of games. That's what's most important for me.

‘Hopefully those types of games will come later in my career - and to be an even bigger part of it with Midtjylland.

‘At the moment, I'd just be on the bench - and that's not what I want.

‘Playing football is why I'm here. It's what I hope for.’

Nicolaisen was on the bench for Midtjylland when they began their Champions League adventure at Ludogorets back in August.

Little did he know then that his parent club would be preparing to rub shoulders with the game’s elite just weeks later.

However, he remains in no doubt about the career path he has chosen for himself.

‘There's a lot of Liverpool fans in Midtjylland,’ he added.

‘But there was no disappointment here from me (when the draw was made).

I'm happy to be here and looking forward to some exciting months and learning a new football culture.

'I've always followed English football and always felt attracted to it, so it's a great move for me and I'm just so excited and happy to be here.'

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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