Ajer confident of Hoops triumph in his homeland

Norwegian center half Kristoffer Ajer says he is confident Celtic will get the job done as he returns to his native land next week in a crunch tie with Rosenborg.

The 19 year old was thrust into the Celtic starting line up yesterday to make only his second appearance in green and white. His inclusion was due to injuries ruling out both Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko.

Despite it being his first full 90 for the Celts, he gained plenty of plaudits from fans and pundits for his “assured” and “confident” performance”. Unfortunately for the teenager his performance was overshadowed by the home side’s lack of imagination and potency at the other end of the field against a stubborn Rosenborg defense.

Man of the match

With zero power up top, it was vital that the hoops kept a clean sheet yesterday. Thankfully the 19 year old stepped up to the plate and put in a man of the match winning performance that an established center back would have been proud of.

More from The Celtic Bhoys

• Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
• Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
• Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
• BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
• Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters

This will of course be the case again next week. Ajer and his defense will have to be on top of their game to keep out the Norwegian league leaders, Rosenborg did provide the hoops with a scare or two throughout the game which forced Craig Gordon to be called in to action more than his opposing number 1.

Celtic will be hoping to have Leigh Griffiths available for next week as Moussa Dembele has been ruled out until September. However, if they don’t, Ajer made sure to remind journalists of the last time he played in Rosenborg stadium in which he bagged himself a goal.

"“We always go in to games trying to score. We will have to defend well in Trondheim as well but hopefully we will do that.”“I have played in Trondheim before. It’s a good atmosphere and a nice pitch. We’re looking forward to it, Rosenborg are a big team in Norway. I lost last time but I managed to score, so we will see how it goes next week.”"

Could play a key role this year

With the rumors circling yesterday that Erik Sviatchenko may be headed for the Parkhead exit door, Ajer could find himself a permanent fixture in the starting 11 this season. Turkish club Besiktas are thought to be very interested in luring the Dane away from Glasgow. This would pile the pressure on 19 year old Ajer to step up and fill the void whilst Belgian team mate Dedryck Boyata returns to full fitness.

If Ajer puts in regular performances like he did on Wednesday night I am sure he will have no problem holding the fort down for the coming weeks.