Ajer: We can’t drop our guard
Kris Ajer insists Celtic can’t afford any down days in the run in – because the stakes are high for every team, not just the Old Firm.
The 21-year- old knows the champs wi l l be expected to see off the likes of Hamilton and Hearts in the coming weeks.
But the Norwegian reckons the entire bottom six are fighting for their lives and the rest are either protecting their top-half status or chasing Europe
And that means Neil Lennon’s squad are taking nothing for granted.
Ajer said: “We have to keep putting in the performances that are needed to win the games.
“Going to places like Hamilton is really tough.
“Teams are either battling for the top six or fighting relegation so every game means something to every team. No games are easy.” Not every team has Celtic’s squad depth though – and Ajer admits Leigh Griffiths’ return to scoring form has been a massive boost.
He said: “It’s great to have him back. Leigh looked sharp in Dubai and you saw his quality against St Johnstone in midweek.
“It wasn’t just his goal but his build up play as well. Leigh and Odsonne Edouard are linking so well as a pair right now too.
“Leigh being fit takes the pressure off Odsonne. And having the two there lets us play three at the back.”
Meanwhile, Ajer admits he can’t wait to share a pitch with Europe’s hottest striker Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian has scored seven goals in 136 minutes since his move to Borussia Dortmund.
And with a potential play-off final with Scotland looming if they can get past Serbia, Ajer said: “We’re all buzzing for these play-offs – we have a really exciting team just now.”