Brendan Rodgers: I would have no hesitation of playing this Celtic teenager v Rangers
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has lauded Kristoffer Ajer after the Norwiegan turned in an assured display at the heart of defence in the Hoops 3-0 win over Aberdeen on Saturday.
The 19-year-old teenager was starting his second game in a week after playing in the 2-0 win over Partick, and the Hoops manager was delighted his with his performance.
He also disclosed that he wouldn’t any qualms at all about starting Ajer in the upcoming Old Firm derby against Rangers on Saturday.
“I thought he was brilliant”, Rodgers said, as quoted by the Sunday Post. “I would have no hesitation playing him against Rangers because he has got the qualities.
“It doesn’t matter for me what age someone is, it’s just picking the best team each game to get the result.”
Ajer has recently replaced Jozo Simunovic in the Hoops defence following some indifferent performances by the Bosnian, particularly in the recent 4-0 defeat to Hearts which saw Celtic’s unbeaten domestic run come crashing to a halt.
He has formed a partnership with Dedryck Boyata, and already for a player so young he seems the more accomplished of the duo, as Boyata’s form has suffered recently.
As for the game against Aberdeen, Ajer was rarely troubled as the Hoops moved eight points clear of the Dons at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Goals from Lustig, Hayes and Ntcham saw the Celts take a huge step towards retaining their league title.
The Bhoys are next in action against Dundee on Boxing Day and Ajer looks likely to keep his place in the team.
In other Celtic news, Jonny Hayes has the chance to become a first-team regular
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Celtic breaking news.