Mix Diskerud says he is open to Norway call-up, but doesn't anticipate it

Mikkel 'Mix' Diskerud used to be one of the United States' most promising young players, and he still may be, but hasn't been able to get into Jurgen Klinsmann's team. Now, the Norwegian-American dual citizen is open to a possible Norway call-up, according to Football Adressa.

But while Diskerud said he would listen if Norway called, he did not say he would accept a call-up. Apparently he and Norway head coach Egil 'Drillo' Olsen have some differences and as a result, he also doesn't think he would get a call-up.

I do not think Drillo fancies me - based on what he has said earlier - and I'm also not sure if I really want to play in Drillos' preferred system. I think the style of play and the people make us different.

This isn't the first time that rumors have come up regarding Diskerud, which is no surprise for a guy who played with the Norway U-17 and U-18 teams. In fact, Norway assistant coach Ola By Rise apparently spoke with Diskerud last year about possibly playing for Norway, but the player said he was only interested in the U.S. Not so anymore.

We want good football players on the Norwegian national team. This is a positive sign. We thought he was more keen on the U.S., and therefore I am very happy for the signals that have now come forward.

It isn't panic time, yet. All indications are that Diskerud is still leaning to the U.S., but it is time to be concerned.

Diskerud has just two caps for the U.S., both in non-competitive matches so he is not cap-tied, but he hasn't been completely frozen out by Klinsmann. The U.S. manager repeatedly emphasized how important the Olympics were and Diskerud was a key member of that team.

Diskerud also hasn't made an overly compelling case to be called in over the last year. He bounced from Stabaek to Gent and wasn't playing regularly. Now he is with Rosenborg, which looks to be a better fit and he is playing so he can make his claim for a senior team call-up soon, but it isn't as if Diskerud had been playing great and Klinsmann was ignorant to it.

Hopefully, Diskerud can keep making progress at Rosenborg and get a call-up soon. With the way that Jose Francisco Torres has struggled, there is a place for him with the senior team is he can earn a place. In the meantime, there will be some sorry as Norway becomes more and more of an option for the 22-year-old.