Leo: I’ve got Ajer hopes of glory too
LEO HJELDE looks up to Kris Ajer and also hopes to follow in the footsteps of his Parkhead team-mate.
The 17-year-old defender is making the most of his loan spell at Ross County having seen his Norwegian pal return to Celtic after a positive stint at Kilmarnock a few years ago.
Hjelde said: “Kristoffer Ajer is a very good player and he had the same career path like me too.
“He had played more games by the time he came to Scotland but he is someone I look up to.
“I keep in contact with him still. He has been very good to me and gets in touch and gives me advice.
“I have spoken to the coaches a few times but it has just been to see how I am getting on. First-team football has been different but I am keeping up with it.
“Physically it can be difficult, especially against guys at 6ft 5ins but you have to learn to play around that and be a bit more streetwise. That will come.”
Hjelde is relishing his spell with the Staggies under John Hughes and beating the drop with the Dingwall men will boost him going back to Celtic.
He said: “I like to be on the ball and try to create things but my main priority always has to be defending.
“Getting this experience will hopefully be a benefit when I go back to Celtic.”
Hjelde suffered a sore lesson at St Mirren as Collin Quaner nicked in front of him to earn the match-winning penalty.
Hjelde added: “I felt it was a simulation. I felt I didn’t even touch him. But that’s the ref’s decision.
“The boys were devastated he gave the penalty. We have to use that as motivation and look towards the next game.”