Ulrik Laursen

Infobox Football biography
playername = Ulrik Laursen
fullname = Ulrik Rosenløv Laursen
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1976|2|28
cityofbirth = Odense
countryofbirth = Denmark
height = Height|m=1.92
position = Defender
currentclub = F.C. Copenhagen
clubnumber = 5
contractend = 30 June 2011 [cite web |url=http://www.sjat.com/html/fck_kontrakter.htm |title=Kontraktlængder i FCK |publisher=SJAT.COM |last=Poulsen |first=Anders |accessdate=2008-01-31 |language=Danish ]
years = 1993-2000
2000-2002
2002-2005
2005-2007
2008-present
clubs = Odense Boldklub
Hibernian
Celtic
Odense Boldklub
F.C. Copenhagen
caps(goals) = 77 (1)
53 (3)
40 (0)
72 (6)
16 (0)
nationalyears = 1993-1995
1996-1997
2007-present
nationalteam = Denmark U-19
Denmark U-21
Denmark
nationalcaps(goals) = 12 (0)
16 (1)
5 (1)
pcupdate = 6 October 2008
ntupdate = 2 June 2008

Ulrik Rosenløv Laursen (born 28 February 1976) is a Danish professional footballer who currently plays for F.C. Copenhagen in the Danish Superliga. Laursen is predominantly used in the central defense, but he is also competent as a left back.

After only 6 months in Copenhagen, Laursen was selected as new captain after Michael Gravgaard's departure to FC Nantes. [cite web |url=http://www.tipsbladet.dk/index.php/news/show/id=157360 |title=Ulrik Laursen bliver ny FCK-anfører |accessdate=2008-07-17 |last=Michelsen |first=Kim Lundahl |date=2008-07-17 |publisher=Tipsbladet.dk |language=Danish ]

He began his career at Odense Boldklub, where his talent was quickly discovered. He debuted for the Danish under-19 national team in 1993, aged 17, and won the 1993 Danish "under-19 Player of the Year" award. He transferred to Hibernian under manager Alex McLeish, on a free transfer in 2000. He was a fans favourite at Easter Road, scoring 5 goals in 82 appearances and helping the club towards the final of the 2001 Scottish Cup against Celtic, which they lost 3-0.

He signed for Celtic in a £1.5million deal in August 2002, and his first season saw him enjoy an extended run in the first team, thanks to injuries to other players. He made more than 20 appearances for "the Hoops" during the 2002-03 season, including the 2003 UEFA Cup final against FC Porto. However, he failed to make any appearances the following season. He saw more playing time during the 2004-05 season, but in the summer 2005, he moved back to OB.

References

External links

*da icon [http://fck.dk/truppen/spillerprofil/?playerid=203 F.C. Copenhagen profile]
*da icon [http://www.dbu.dk/lbase/playerInfo.aspx?playerid=4310 Danish national team profile]