AJER: THIS SEASONTOPS LOT FOR ME
KRISTOFFER AJER reckons he’s had his bestever season at Celtic.
But the Norwegian defender has refused to comment on his future or suggestions from his international manager Stale Solbakken that he needs to get out of Glasgow to improve.
Ajer is back with his national-team squad for the last gathering before the final clutch of club games, including the conclusion of the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic need to win the delayed Scottish Cup to avoid a blank campaign in terms of silverware.
However, while accepting it’s tough to assess his personal situation when it’s all about the team, Ajer does feel he has played his best in the five years since moving to Parkhead.
He said: “When you play for Celtic and the expectations are that you will win trophies, it is difficult to focus on individual achievements.
“But if I am only to look at my performances, it may have been my best season at the club.
“At least this is the year I have developed the most. Where I feel I have taken the biggest step is that I make wiser choices defensively.
“I used time to go through all the clips and all the matches I had played last season. I wanted to see what I needed to get better at.
“Then I discovered there was something I had to improve. I could get too hot. You gain very little by throwing yourself down very early. With the speed I have, it is very rare that I need to throw myself into situations.
“Now I stand on my feet more often and make better choices.”
Ajer is moving into the final year of his current contract at Parkhead and will attract big interest in the summer.
Solbakken insists the defender has to move to develop and said: “He has to change league now. He must. Kris does not have enough challenges. He should go to one of the five major leagues.”