Kennedy expects Ajer to attract interest as Celtic shut out Dons

CELTIC’S interim boss John Kennedy will not be surprised to see defender Kristoffer Ajer attract interest in the summer.

The Hoops assistant manager was promoted following the resignation of Neil Lennon and got off to a winning start at home to Aberdeen thanks to Odsonne Edouard’s early deflected strike.

The Dons improved after the break and 22-yearold Norway international Ajer played his part as the home side repelled several crosses and set-pieces.

Ajer joined Celtic in 2016 from Norwegian outfit Start and is out of contract in the summer of 2022, with AC Milan linked previously.

Kennedy said: “Kris was terrific, especially in the second half when Aberdeen put us under pressure. That was a big performance from him today. Even when he was tired at the end, he was throwing himself in front of things or getting his head on balls.”

Kennedy added: “Kris isn’t overly thinking about his future. For him it’s just about giving his best.

“I’ve no doubt there will be interest in him. He’s still very young and he’s an international player. With his profile of speed, size, technique and ability – there’s going to be interest.

“When that comes it’ll be the club and Kris himself making that decision.”

It was the second time in 10 days the Dons had lost 1-0 at Celtic Park.

Manager Derek McInnes said: “I’m disappointed because I thought the performance was deserving of something from the game.”

Aberdeen are still four points behind third-placed Hibernian, having played a game more, but McInnes believes the Easter Road side can still be caught.

He said: “Post-split games is where it always sorts itself out. There is nobody in our dressing room thinks third place is beyond us.”