​Ulrik Laursen, Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic WikiAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt wasn’t hard to see why Martin liked the 6ft 3in Dane, as he was a solid, no-nonsense defender, who although a left back, was also capable of playing as a centre-back.The Celtic manager and indeed the Celtic supporters knew all about the Danish defender’s capabilities as he was often a standout whenever the Hoops faced the Easter Road side, so he was heralded as a welcome addition to a strong looking defence that included the likes of Bobo Balde, Johan Mjallby, and Joos Valgeren.Stuttgart – 27 February 2003: UEFA Cup, VfB Stuttgart – Celtic Glasgow; .: Ulrik Laursen, Paul Lambert and Neil Lennon of Glasgow Celtic. (Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAlthough the Dane was capable of playing at Centre back, it was his capabilities in his favoured position of left back that he was brought in to fill, which had become something of a problematic area during Martin O’Neill’s first reign as Celtic manager.Martin O’Neill at that time preferred a 3-5-2 formation, but on occasion he would revert to a 4-4-2 system, and with Alan Thompson, Bobby Petta, and Steve Guppy more suited to an attacking role, he needed someone with natural defensive instincts. That’s why Ulrik Laursen was brought to the club.27 February .2003 Photo: imago/MIS Christian Tiffert – Ulrik Laursen (Celtic Glasgow) VfB Stuttgart – CelticAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUlrik made his competitive Celtic debut in a 5-0 thumping of Dundee United at Celtic Park in August 2002, and despite a decent performance in his natural left back position, he failed to claim a regular place in the first team.Despite not been seen as a regular, the Dane made 36 appearances in a campaign that promised so much, but somehow saw the club finish empty handed, which included a memorable UEFA cup run, that ended in an agonising defeat in Seville against Jose Mourinho’s Porto. Celtic suffered from fighting on so many fronts and the match officials and some other managers including over at Dunfermline, perhaps played a significant part in all that.Blackburn Rovers v Celtic, UEFA Cup Second Round Dwight Yorke of Blackburn Rovers and Ulrik Laursen of Glasgow Celtic challenge during the UEFA Cup Second Round match between Blackburn Rovers and Glasgow Celtic at Ewood Park on November 14, 2002 in Blackburn, England. Photo Allstar Picture Library (IMAGO)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dane made a few appearances in the run to Seville, including appearing as a second half substitute appearance in the final itself.Season 2003/04 saw a determined Celtic side put the disappointment of the previous season behind them as they won a domestic double, although it was a difficult one for Ulrik who was limited to just one appearance due to a succession of injuries.Although on occasions when he was fit, he was overlooked for the right footed Jackie McNamara who