Gatt set for big stage

Josh Gatt wasn't on the field as his team cemented a monumental achievement, but that doesn't mean he won't be able to reap the benefits of his club's first league championship.

Gatt's Molde FK played to a draw over the weekend, and that, combined with Brann's victory over Rosenborg, ensured that the injured American's team will win the league championship in Norway's top flight and secure the 2012-2013 UEFA Champions League berth that goes along with the title.

Coached by former Manchester United striker and reserves coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Gatt thrived in his first professional season in Norway before suffering a hamstring injury that cut his season short. His pace and technical skill make him a natural flank attacker -- even though he was used on the right wing and at fullback with Molde -- and his dynamic showing this season is evidence of why he's widely considered to be among the top echelon of U.S. prospects to watch over the coming years.

Barring an unexpected transfer elsewhere, the 20-year-old Gatt will get a chance to compete in the Champions League next summer (Molde, which also employs seldom-used young American left back Sean Cunningham, will enter in the second qualifying round of the tournament), which would be quite the landmark feat in the U.S. Under-20 international's brief career. It would also provide a chance for another American to make some headlines in the competition, following in the semi-recent footsteps of Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley, among others.