Blues forward Sindre Walle Egeli admits it’s been frustrating to be left out of the Town side during the early weeks of the season.

The 20-year-old, signed from FC Nordsjaelland for £17.5 million in the summer of 2025, then a record fee paid by a Championship club, made 18 league starts and 10 sub appearances, scoring four times, in his first season at the club.

But this term, 10 minutes off the bench on the opening day against Sunderland has been his only involvement in the Premier League and he has been left out of the 20 for the last three matches.

He did, however, start and score in the 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City and came on as a sub in the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in the subsequent round.

The attacker, who netted a hat-trick playing as a number nine for Norway’s U21s in a 6-1 thrashing of Bosnia & Herzegovina yesterday, says he knew that securing a place in the team wouldn’t be easy this year.

“It was an amazing feeling to win promotion, but you don't go into a Premier League season without having to fight for your spot. I knew there would be stiff competition,” he told Nettavisen.

But he admits it’s been tough that he hasn’t been involved at all in the league since the opening week.

“It’s been frustrating that it happened so suddenly, he continued. “I’ve essentially been completely out of the picture since then.”

He says in England it’s not always explained why a player is left out but he has spoken to the Town management.

“I wouldn't say it’s a colder environment [than in Norwegian football], but you have to deal with it yourself; you don't get told - you have to go and ask the coach yourself,” he added.

“I’ve had a chat with the coaching staff. You just have to go and talk to them if you feel things are a bit unfair. They were very honest and open with me when we spoke.

“They explain that it’s about more than just who has performed best in training or matches; it’s about how they anticipate the game unfolding, player profiles and the opponent.”

He added: “But it’s a competitive situation, so you just have to keep working and prove you’re good enough.

“You have to do the work yourself. I want to give it my all in training, put in some extra finishing practice and keep the intensity high.

“I didn't want to arrive at the national team camp in poor form. You just have to keep working, because things change quickly in football.”

Despite his lack of involvement, he says the once-capped full international has no thoughts of looking to leave the club.

“Absolutely not,” he said, speaking to NRK TV. “I signed a five-year contract there and I’m still really enjoying it. The day-to-day training is fantastic and I play alongside so many great players, so that’s not on the cards for me.”

Walle Egeli, the all-time top scorer for Norwegian youth teams having netted eight goals in seven games so far in their successful European Championship qualification campaign, more than anyone else in the competition, with one match still to play, revealed an aspect he’s been looking to address.

“Body language is something I’ve tried to work on for many years now,” he said. “Sometimes I might show a bit too clearly that I’m annoyed off the pitch, but on the pitch, I tend to give that little bit extra. I think most people can tell if I’m not exactly happy.

“People point it out, from agents to family and those who know me well. In England, they place great importance on contributing to the group and not being bad for team morale, even if you aren't in the line-up.”

Reflecting on developments at Town since the end of last season, he added: “There is a huge difference in the entire club compared to the summer. It’s almost like arriving at a new club — new manager, new teammates and, really, everything is new.”

Norway U21s complete their qualification fixtures when they host Israel in Stavanger next Tuesday.

Photo: Matchday Images