Elise Thorsnes has signed a contract extension with Canberra United which will see the versatile Norwegian stay until the end of the 2019/20 Westfield W-League season. 

Originally signed as a guest player, Thorsnes will now stay in Canberra a replacement for the injured Katie Stengel, after the American was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. 

Head coach Heather Garriock said Stengel will be sorely missed. 

“Katie’s injury was a massive blow to the team,” Garriock said. “She is such a great person off the field and she is a stalwart on the field. 

“It is good that we have a player like Elise who can fill the gap left by Katie. We are delighted that she can stay.” 

Thorsnes said she was glad to staying for another month in Canberra. 

“It is still cold and snowing in Norway so I am glad that I can stay here,” she said. “I feel like I can help this team.

“I am happy to play wherever Heather needs me, so if it is in the midfield or even centre back I don’t care. I just want to help the team get a good result.

“I don’t want to leave a sinking ship because I think we can turn it around. I still believe in this team.”