PROFILE Alfie had a stop start 1998/99 season for United, but once again proved his adaptability is one of his main assets, as he filled a number of roles in Leeds glorious path into Europe. The arrival of Alfie Haaland at Elland Road in the summer of 1997, for �1.6M gave George Graham a surfeit of midfielders with which to start the 97/98 season, as Lee Bowyer, David Hopkin, Bruno Ribeiro and the Norwegian competed for the two central slots. It was therefore a testament to Haaland's form that by the end of the season he was arguably the first of the four names pencilled in by the boss. Alfie's eye for goal, be it in the air at set pieces, or when breaking from midfield brought him 7 goals in 30 starts. His shock omission from the Norway World Cup squad for France 98 stung Alfie badly, and after the departure of manager Egil Olsen from his role as coach of Norway following the tournament a fired up Alfie is keen to re-establish himself in the Norwegian squad for the European Championships in the year 2000. Though adaptable enough to play at right back or in right midfield Haaland prefers to play in a central role, and if required can also play at centre back.