Heggem: LFC can help Norway
Vegard Heggem has admitted Liverpool's presence in Norway for tonight's friendly against Valerenga can help the healing process for a country still devastated by the events of ten days ago.
A car bomb at a government building in Oslo killed eight people while another 69 were shot dead on Utoya Island.
"The whole country is still in shock," admits the former Liverpool defender. "It has affected everyone in a huge way.
"When I saw the pictures on my TV screen I just couldn't believe what had gone on. You ask yourself how this could possibly happen in a small and peaceful country like this.
"It's going to take a long time for people to come to terms with what happened. It will certainly change this country forever."
Liverpool's support in Norway is well known, and a sell-out crowd is expected for tonight's friendly when the Reds will be looking to put on a show for the Scandinavian Kopites.
"I'm really happy that Liverpool are still coming to Oslo to play," added Heggem.
"It means a lot to the club's Norwegian fans when they come to play here.
"Of course everyone is still hurting from what happened here but you can't just stop everything entirely.
"Slowly but surely people are trying to get back to every day life and it's important that as a country we carry on.
"Liverpool as a club is very conscious about values. The club is all about togetherness and that's what people admire about the club.
"It will be good for the people here to come together on Monday and enjoy the game. It's all part of starting to move on."
Valerenga are currently in 10th place in the league table at the midway stage of the campaign, 14 points adrift of the league leaders.
"Norwegian club football is not as good as it was some years ago," Heggem said.
"Valerenga were expected to be serious title contenders here this year but they have disappointed their fans.
"It's a game Liverpool should win quite easily but you have to take into account that Liverpool are in pre-season. Valerenga are in the middle of their season so they will be more match fit.
"It should be a decent test which Liverpool will need with the Premier League starting again soon."
