Kristoffer Ajer '˜not worried' by Ronny Deila's Celtic exit
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The towering midfielder, who signed a four-year deal with the Hoops in February, joins from Norwegian outfit IK Start, but told a Norwegian newspaper that his countryman’s departure from Celtic would not affect him
Ajer told Nettavisen Sport: “Ronny leaving is no great disadvantage to me. He’s a fantastic coach and he’ll be missed, but I can’t waste any energy on it.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I’ll arrive to a new coach who will look at everyone the same, and good performances will decide whether or not I play.”
Ajer, 18, played in Start’s 2-2 draw with Deila’s former club Stromsgodset, and has made over 50 appearances for the Tippeligaen outfit.
He was also appointed captain of Start at the age of just 16.
Ajer has said previously that he was ‘comfortable’ as the Norwegian side’s skipper, adding: “I look at myself as a captain whether I have the armband or not because I always scream and demand everything from myself and the rest of the players.
“I’m not scared of saying ‘this is me and this is what I stand for’. Now I have to prove myself good enough at Celtic and I am not going to hide behind the rest of the squad.
“I’m told the demands are high here and I am ready for that. I’m ready to try and win every weekend. That’s why I signed. You have to win silverware every year at Celtic and that is what I want to do.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhile able to play in central defence, it is expected that Ajer will perform in the defensive midfield role when he joins Celtic - although he has been utilised as an auxiliary striker in recent games for Start.
DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY