KRISTOFFER Ajer has declared himself ready to face Astana on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old coasted through Saturday’s win over Kilmarnock and could well be asked to start in Kazakhstan if Nir Bitton is ruled out; the Israeli injured the bottom of his foot after coming on as a late substitute at the weekend.
Ajer looks a different player to the one who left to go on loan to Kilmarnock in January. He has filled out, is more aggressive but remains still a ball playing centre-half which Rodgers loves.
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And when asked whether he could step in if Bitton wasn’t to make the Champions League play-off return, Ajer said: “Yes, of course. We’ll see how Nir’s injury is but I’ll always be ready and try to get as much game time as I can.
"I’m enjoying my time here and hopefully I’ll play some more games.
“I feel I have developed a lot here in the last year in Scotland. Getting into this big team for me is a huge honour and I’ll just do as well as I can.
“The six months I had at Kilmarnock were fantastic for my development. I played all my games for Kilmarnock and I only have positive things to say about this football club.
“I feel I am developing really well here. The gaffer gives me opportunities and he is helping me every day in training, trying to [fix] my weaknesses as well. I feel I am at a really good point in my career here at Celtic. I just want to play as many games as possible.”
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Rodgers has entrusted a lot of faith in the young Norwegian who when signed by Ronny Deila arrived with a fair amount of hype.
The player admitted it was easier for him to come into the team because every player has the system and style wanted drilled into him.
And while Ajer may struggle to play 20 games this season but he might well be one for the future because the kid has talent.
He said: “Of course, it is good for me to be able to get some games, it is important for my development. We will wait and see what is happening but I feel the games I have played so far have been good. We have started the season really well as a team.
“I think of myself as a central defender. I’ve played there for one year now and I am developing there every single day, in terms of where to position myself and winning headers. I feel it is a really good position for me.
“My chat with the staff and the gaffer was to come in for the pre-season and show how I have developed. I had a small injury at the beginning of pre-season but it has been all positive from the staff about my development, and now I am really enjoying my time here."
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