Ajer’s back from Norway duty ready to defend his position

He has nailed down the position for Celtic and was given a first cap there for Norway in midweek.

So Kristoffer Ajer says there can now be no debate about centre-back being his best position.

Ever since he arrived in Glasgow from IK Start in his homeland, questions have been asked about whether he’s a defender or midfield anchor.

He tried both while on loan at Kilmarnock but after a pep talk from Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers he has excelled at the back.

Ajer was deployed there by Norway gaffer Lars Lagerback for two international wins over Australia and Albania last week. And with the likes of Kolo Toure and John Kennedy to help him at Parkhead, he has now made that position his own.

Although Ajer insists that at Celtic he has ALWAYS been regarded as a defender.

The 19-year-old said: “Centre-back has been my position since signing for the club. Since my first training session it has been clear the manager and staff felt it was my suited position.

“And I always knew I’d be a centre-back. As a young guy I felt it was better to play in midfield, develop there and drop back to defence later.

“The last year is when I’ve developed most as a footballer. The six months at Kilmarnock were really beneficial and I have a lot to thank them for.

“At Celtic, Kolo and Kendo were centre-halves so that has helped. They help with the positioning work and work with me on heading after training.”

Ajer’s first cap against the Aussies was made even more special when he put his late grandfather’s name on the back of his shirt.

Ajer said: “I had a deal with my grandfather Albjorn before he passed away so it meant a lot to the family. He supported me the whole way..

“My grandmother was watching the game and I gave her the strip afterwards.

“Pulling on the strip with both surnames was real ly specia l for me.”