KRISTOFFER AJER got a heroes send off when he left FC Start for Celtic last year. It was quite remarkable to see a fanbase take someone so young to their heart. The adulation Ajer received was not without merit – in his two years playing in Norwegian football he became the youngest player to ever captain a Eliteserien side.
Such was the players determination, tenacity and natural talent he was given a heavy load at young age and thrived under the challenge.
When Celtic came calling Ajer and his representatives seen this as a natural progression and a move where the player could harness his natural talent and improve upon it.
Kristoffer was signed up under the old management regime in Ronny Deila and John Collins setup but when he finally arrived at Celtic Park it was Brendan Rodgers who was at the helm. It’s always a worry as a player when the man who brought you to the club isn’t there anymore. The Celtic manager ran the rule over his squad and made the judgement that the 6ft 5″ defender would be better developing behind the scenes and play with the developmental squad.
Everyone will know that the developmental side can only get you so far and it was no real surprise when the player was loaned out to Kilmarnock in January to get real first team experience in the SPFL. Kristoffer walked into Rugby Park and quickly became one of Kilmarnock’s best players, the Killie fans singing his praises on a weekly basis.
After getting sixteen SPFL games under his belt, the defender is now back at Celtic Park and keen to build on last season with the hope of breaking into the first team.
We hope Brendan is seeing something in the player that made him the youngest captain in Norwegian football and why the Celtic scouting system and Ronny Deila seen fit to sign the lad back in February of last year.
Ajer came with glowing references and a real excitement that he could be someone Celtic could mould into a top player, much like they’ve done with players in the past.
As we get prepared for pre-season friendlies, it will become evident very soon whether Brendan has Kristoffer in his plans this season. He certainly deserves the opportunity to show his worth.
