Glasgow Times

Jig says Ajer is one for future

- By JOHN McGILL

KILMARNOCK assistant manager Lee McCulloch had nothing but praise for Kristoffer Ajer following his impressive display in the 3-2 Premiershi­p vic-tory over Ross County.

The 18-year-old defender put in a man-of-the-match performanc­e in only his second appearance for Killie after joining on loan from Celtic earlier in January.

“He was different class,” said McCulloch. “We’ve changed the way that we’re looking to play with him in the team.

“He’s 18 years old. He’s always chapping the door to do extra and to watch the videos of the games. He’s a fantastic player to work with.”

The Killie assistant also believes Ajer can go on to star with parent club Celtic. McCulloch added: “If he keeps going the way he’s going, I don’t see why not.

“His attitude is different class and it’s brilliant for the young boys at this club to see that as well.”

County manager Jim McIntyre revealed his frustratio­n with his team’s failure to capitalise on their lead when they were 2-1 in front.

The visitors controlled much of the first half and had chances to seal the three points before Sean Longstaff’s late winner.

Kris Boyd scored the Premiershi­p’s fastest-ever goal after 10 seconds but that was quickly cancelled out by efforts from County’s Christophe­r Routis and Alex Schalk.

Gary Dicker’s second-half strike brought the teams level before Longstaff decided the game.

McIntyre said: “we were very good first half. The last 10 minutes before half-time we started to get a bit sloppy, and we certainly continued that on in the second half.”

 ??  ?? Ajer was man-of-thematch against County
Ajer was man-of-thematch against County

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