'I had to be physical' – Kristoffer Ajer delivers verdict on Celtic v Rangers clash
Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has been reliving his first ever Old Firm derby against Rangers.
The 19-year-old Norwegian played in the fixture for the first time in the goalless draw at Celtic Park last month.
The centre-half received rave reviews as he helped to hold the backline together as Rangers dominated large parts of the second-half.
“It is a huge fixture and I really enjoyed it” Ajer said, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“I had to be physical and I had to be strong but it was a great game for me to play in and definitely the biggest game I have played in my career.
“The manager told me before the game to play my own game and relax and I felt as though I was able to do that.”
Ajer’s run in the first-team started after the Hoops’ 4-0 loss to Hearts, which saw their record-breaking unbeaten run come to an end.
Since Ajer replaced Jozo Simunovic in Celtic’s defence the Hoops have kept five clean sheets in a row, and he has quickly established himself as a mainstay of the side.
The player spent last season on-loan to Kilmarnock, and the experience of playing in the Scottish Premiership at only 18-years-old has prepared him well for a season with the Bhoys, as nothing seems to faze him.
Ajer and his team-mates are set for a trip to Dubai as the Hoops continue their winter break. They return to domestic action against Brechin in the Scottish Cup on the 20th of January.
The Norwegian may well be paired with new signing Marvin Compper in that game as Brendan Rodgers searches for his next centre-half partnership.
In other Celtic news, Nadir Ciftci will not be returning to the club in January
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