Hoopskid Krisgets call-upfor Norway
CELTIC’S Kristoffer Ajer will today be called up to the Norway squad for the first time after his impressive run of club form.
The 19-year-old stopper has cemented a place in Brendan Rodgers’s team this season and has progressed greatly.
He’s a member of the Norwegian Under-21 side but has done enough to earn a call-up for the main squad for friendlies this month against Australia and Scotland’s Nations League opponents Albania.
Ajer produced another strong display in Sunday’s Old Firm victory and helped 10-man Celts keep out Rangers after central defensive partner Jozo Simunovic was sent off.
And that impressed countryman and former Spurs star Steffen Iversen who is now a TV pundit in Norway and covered the Ibrox clash.
He said: “Kristoffer was again good for Celtic. He had to help his side who were down to 10 men play for half an hour in an Old Firm game.
“I’m sure he’ll be in Lars Lagerback’s squad and deservedly so. I’d be amazed if he wasn’t in it.”
And Norway boss Lagerback indicated last month that Ajer – who spent a chunk of last season on loan at Kilmarnock – was set to win his first cap.
He said: “If Kristoffer continues to play for Celtic it’s highly likely he will be tested in the spring matches.
“Now he’s playing regularly in a league that is as good or probably better than the Norwegian league. It’s clear he’s ready for it.
“He’s tall and strong and at the same time is good on the ball and powerful in the air.
“He’s grown a lot since his loan spell at Kilmarnock last season and playing regularly for Celtic this season.
“It’s not any club we’re talking about here. He has fitted into Brendan’s style and has received praise and good feedback from him.”