CHERRIES star Joshua King wants to help restore pride in Norway after being selected in the first squad named by new head coach Lars Lagerbäck.

The Oslo-born frontman, who has scored seven times for his country, will be hoping to earn his 28th full cap when they face Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier in Belfast on Sunday.

Respected boss Lagerbäck, who managed Sweden for nine years, replaced Per-Mathias Hogmo in February following Norway’s disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.

The 68-year-old masterminded Iceland’s shock progression to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 – their first major tournament – when they beat England in the last 16 before going out to hosts France.

Norway have won just one of their first four qualifiers with King completing the scoring in a 4-1 victory over San Marino in Oslo in October.

He also netted a consolation in their 2-1 defeat by Czech Republic in Prague in November and started in defeats by Germany and Azerbaijan.

King, speaking to the Daily Echo before reporting for international duty, said: “We haven’t had the best of starts. We have a new manager and I am looking forward to meeting up with the team and seeing what the changes are going to be.

“It is a very important game, especially for the fans. The whole of Norway lost a bit of belief in the team and the old manager.

“We want to get that back, get the fans back on our side and try to do well for the country. Representing your country is one of the biggest things you can do as a footballer.”