'I really agree' – Celtic ace Ajer reveals what Rodgers has been telling him since day one
Celtic ace Kristoffer Ajer has revealed that although he started his career as a midfielder he would have most success as a centre-back.
The 19-year-old Norwegian replaced Jozo Simunovic in the heart of the Hoops defence following the 4-0 defeat to Hearts and since that his partnership with Dedryck Boyata has yielded five consecutive clean sheets, the most recent in the goalless Old Firm derby.
He also believes both his loan spell last season with Kilmarnock and encouragement from Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers have given him the belief to become a better player.
“I think I’m developing really well here,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“The last year at the club has been extremely good. First with the loan at Killie where I got the game time.
“I was a midfielder when I signed for Celtic but I’ve always known that the position I could go furthest in was as a centre-half.
“Since day one here the gaffer has said I should play at the back and I really agree with him.
“The manager’s been brilliant, as have the rest of the staff. They’ve helped me a lot with it being a new position for me.”
Ajer is set to continue as a first-team starter for at least the next month, following the injury suffered by new arrival Marvin Compper.
The 32-year-old defender who signed from Leipzig is set to miss the next month of matches after suffering a calf injury in training.
The injury may well lead to a reprieve for Jozo Simunovic, who after losing his place in the first-team to Ajer has had many rumours surrounding his future.
The Hoops return to action on Saturday when they begin their defence of the Scottish Cup with a home tie against Championship side Brechin City.
In other Celtic news, supporters have offered this best wishes to Liam Henderson who has joined Bari
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