BOSS LEE WAS LAST PIECE IN CAREER JIGSAW
McCulloch’s faith made Ajer Celts’ tower of strength
“They would help me a lot with my positioning and clearances.
“It was really helpful and he put pressure on me as well.
“He wanted me to perform in each game and said I had an important role. That was important to me that he put faith in me. I had to perform and I did.
“I’ve always liked getting pressure but I put more pressure on myself than anyone else. It was a good experience to go there and I feel a much better player.”
Ajer, used to playing in midfield when ex-Hoops boss Ronny Deila signed him from Start almost two years ago, has proven that back at Parkhead.
Having started all but one of Killie’s games during his loan stint – he wasn’t able to play against his parent club – Ajer returned to the east end of Glasgow relishing his new defensive role.
He said: “From day one the gaffer has been really clear he sees me as a centre-half and I agree with that.
“I’ve always thought centre-half was the main position I wanted to play. In
Rodgers isn’t the only one to have noticed his progress – Norway’s senior management are set to call the teenager up for their next set of friendlies against Australia and Albania in March.
Ajer has worked his way up from going away with Celtic’s Under-20s for NextGen matches to this stage and said: “Of course that’s what everyone dreams about, to play for your national team. It’s good to be recognised for what I’m
“The gaffer is really believing in everyone. He gives opportunities and you need to take them.
“I performed well in December but football can change so quickly. I never take it for granted that I will start the next game.
“I know I need to perform, I know it’s expected we win. I will always look forward and never take it for granted.”
Ajer is back in Scotland where he and his team-mates face five games in 15 days following their trip to Dubai.
And the 19- year- old revealed he doesn’t just know his history at Celtic but all over the world.
The youngster is doing a college course and added: “I have one more subject – history – which I’ll take in the summer. Then I’ll stop until I retire.
“It’s general history. I go back to Norway to take a big exam. I’ll do some studying at the end of April and May then I’ll be ready.
“It’s good because you focus on football and your development in the morning and afternoon. You need something else to think about and not just to sit down, especially when you’re on your own in Glasgow. It really helps.
“I don’t have a plan yet. I’ll try to play football for as long as I can and see if I’m working with football or doing s ome t h i n g complet e l y different.
“In Norway you take many subjects then when I retire I can focus on one topic.”