CROWN JULLS
Chris knows the value of an Ajer power in the mix
CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN wants partner Kristoffer Ajer right by his side in Celtic’s bid for ten in a row.
The French defender is adamant his colleague is destined for the highest levels.
However, despite current interest from clubs in England and across Europe in the Norwegian international, Jullien has made it crystal clear he’s keen for Ajer to remain at Parkhead and be firmly part of the bid to make history.
He said: “He is a great defender and, ultimately, I think that he can do everything.
“He runs a lot, he defends, he can take the ball into the midfield and play. He has so many qualities and, in the time since I have arrived at the club, I have seen him progress.
“My team-mates watched him progress before that and had seen it before, but from my time here, I just saw him get more confident day by day and that’s good for him and the team.
“If it was down to just me, I’d be keeping all of the best players.
“I know the qualities he has which can make my game better and he knows what I can do for him, so it’s really good for both of us.
“Just to have him on the same side as me is great and I want it more.” Jullien, meanwhile, is adamant he’s going nowhere as he attempts to obtain more success with Neil Lennon’s side having bagged a Premiership and Betfred Cup medal in his first term after a £7million switch from Toulouse.
The stopper was shocked to hear of bizarre media reports in his homeland linking him with a transfer to Amiens and instantly set the record straight.
Jullien said: “It was on Thursday when someone sent me that. I thought it’s crazy! I will definitely be at Celtic, that’s for sure.”
Meanwhile, Celtic boss Neil Lennon admits that next week’s trip to France for games against Nice, Lyon and PSG will be perfect preparation for the big kick off.
He told said: “We’re playing against quality opposition, which is fantastic in terms of match fitness, players getting their old instincts back and, obviously, formation-wise and tactics-wise.
“Physically it’s going to be a real test for us as well, so we’ve got to really treat it as if they’ve been out injured for a while. They’ve done their rehab, they’re now coming back into full fitness, so these games are going to be really beneficial to what we want to do for the season.
“It’s brilliant for us all, the staff as well. We’re excited and I feel that the quality of the opposition is fantastic. The other side of it is getting used to playing behind closed doors.”