Ulrik Laursen

Ulrik Rosenløv Laursen (born 28 February 1976) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a defender. Laursen was predominantly used in the centre, but was also competent as a left back.

Career Laursen began his career at OB, 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 five goals in 82 appearances and helped the club reach the 2001 Scottish Cup Final against Celtic, which they lost 3–0.

He signed for Celtic in a £1.3 million 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 30 appearances for "the Hoops" during the 2002–03 season, including the 2003 UEFA Cup Final against Porto. However, he failed to make any appearances the following season aside from one substitute appearance in the League Cup. After only six months in Copenhagen, Laursen was selected as new captain after Michael Gravgaard's departure to Nantes.

On 11 May 2010, Laursen confirmed that he will retire at the end of the 2009–10 season.

Honours

OB Danish 1st Division: 1998–99 Danish Cup: 2006–07

Celtic Scottish Premier League: 2003–04 Scottish Cup: 2003–04, 2004–05 UEFA Cup runners up: 2002–03

Copenhagen Danish Superliga: 2008–09 & 2009–10 Danish Cup: 2008–09