Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has claimed that Norweigan defender Kristoffer Ajer will not like filling in at right-back position, as he has in the last few weeks and also at points in the past.
Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish did state that Ajer is a versatile player and capable of filling in if full-backs are missing. However, he also stated that the 22-year old will be looking to get back to a more familiar position in the Celtic side which he finds more comfortable.
“Ajer’s not going to like playing at right-back.
“He’s a versatile player, is Ajer, he’s pretty mobile, he has got a lopey kind of stride, he recovers well, he’s quick enough and he’s a threat but I’m sure his main position, the one that he would crave for most of his career would be centre-back.
“Anthony Ralston came back from nowhere last week, didn’t he, to fill in, they tried Stephen Welsh for a wee while and I guess it may take time for him to establish himself.
“I was playing for Aberdeen at centre-back, I remember losing form and Sir Alex brought me back and put me back into the team and I absolutely loved it.
“I was flying up and down the wing – people that know me and played with me, they will be saying: ‘Alex, you were never flying up and down the wing’ – and I had a couple of games where I played, I enjoyed it because it was a different position and I felt there was less pressure.
“Then you start to think about things and all of a sudden, you’re thinking this is not really my position and you have to get back to centre-half again.”
Ajer may not be a natural right-back but he certainly puts a shift in for the side up and down the outside. He shows different qualities in attack and defence with his pace and dribbling abilities.
Of course, his main position in the side is centre-back and with how poor the Hoops have been at the back this season I am sure they will be looking forward to him getting back in there, as one of our better performers this season.
Suggesting that he won’t like playing in a certain position I don’t believe as true. As a versatile player and one who is willing to give his all for the side, Ajer won’t be complaining about where he plays.
