Happy Anniversary

Kristoffer Ajer celebrated his third year at Celtic by helping the Hoops win at Rugby Park to establish an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

- Joe Donnelly

SUNDAY represented a special anniversary for Kristoffer Ajer as it marked three years since he signed for Celtic.

The then 17-year-old joined the club from Norwegian side, IK Start, and following the weekend victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park has now made 64 appearances for the Hoops, with one goal to his name.

He also enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell with Killie, which helped with his development, and he was delighted to mark the anniversary with a dramatic 1-0 victory.

That came courtesy of a last-minute Scott Brown goal, a result which gives Brendan Rodgers’ side an eight-point lead at the top of the Premiership table, and the post-match celebrations among the players is an indication of how important the victory is in the squad’s quest for an eighth title in a row.

Speaking after the match, Ajer said: “To be honest, there is no better feeling in football to win a game with a goal in the last minute.

“When you’re pushing for the win and get it in the last minute, that makes it even better. To get another clean sheet is great, too.

“Kilmarnock made it very difficult for us, as we expected. They’re a really strong side, and going there is always difficult. To get three points away from home is always good.

“We’ve not been happy with the performances in the last games at Rugby Park, but you have to really respect Kilmarnock, too. They’ve been fantastic in the last two seasons, and it’s one of the toughest places to go to.