THE last time Rovers won six league games on the bounce there were three Norwegians in the side who beat Barnsley 2-1 in November 2000.

Plenty has changed at Ewood Park in the following 17 years but their link to Norway remains strong.

Thirty-six-year-old supporter Rune Thomsen flew in from the Scandinavian country for Saturday’s game with Charlton Athletic as Rovers made it six league victories in a row.

Rune, from Jessheim in south-east Norway, had taken part in the club’s online auction for the chance to win a signed poppy shirt worn in the 3-1 win FA Cup success over Barnet in November.

Joe Nuttall scored Rovers’ equaliser on that day and played a key hand in Tony Mowbray’s side booking their place in the next round.

Rune was the successful bidder and after Saturday’s win he met the Rovers striker who presented him with his shirt from that day, as well as a signed photo.

A delighted Rune, who was attending his third Rovers home game this season, said: “The presentation of the shirt was a nice touch – it turned out to be one of the many highlights from my time supporting Rovers.

“Three points and securing it with a late goal as well made the day perfect. I loved the reaction from the crowd in the stands, in the lounge and from the players. It felt like the ‘good old days’ and it just goes to show how much this club means to people.

“Full credit to Tony (Mowbray) for the job he’s done since he took over – he seems to have got together a great mix of players and created an excellent team spirit. Hopefully we can keep it going and celebrate together come May.”

And he’s hoping that the shirt will help bring the club more supporters from Norway.

He added: “I told them (his children) about how I got it and that it had been worn in a game where Joe came off the bench to score and showed them a picture of the presentation.

“My oldest (8 years old) loved it and snatched the shirt out of my hand because he wanted to put it up in his room, so hopefully there are some Norwegian Rovers fans in the next generation as well.

“I've been taking both of them to Ewood once per year since they were six months old, so they already have a good connection with the club, but we'll see how it goes.

“That is something they will have to figure out for themselves – I'm just doing my bit giving them a nudge in the right direction.”