It's All Relative

Kristoffer Ajer is looking forward to the run-into the season, and is hoping that his family can be part of some special Celtic celebrations

BECOMING a champion for the first time later this week would be the perfect birthday present for Kristoffer Ajer. The Norwegian internationalist turned 20 on Tuesday and he celebrated the occasion quietly with his parents over dinner.

However, should the Hoops harvest three points against Hibernian at the weekend, then it’ll be time to open the champagne as he achieves a lifelong ambition and plays his part in a title triumph.

Although Celtic are on the verge of clinching seven-in-a-row, Ajer, who started his Paradise career in 2016, has yet to collect a league winner’s medal. As Brendan Rodgers’ side steamrollered their way to an invincible treble last season, he was watching from afar during a profitable loan spell at Kilmarnock.

Indeed, Ajer only has a League Cup medal to his name with the Bhoys, having been an unused sub at Hampden in the win over Motherwell back in November. During the following month, however, the talented youngster forced his way into Celtic’s starting XI and his impressive performances have ensured he’s stayed there in preference to more experienced competitors.

That means Ajer won’t only be a champion, he’ll have made a crucial contribution towards the achievement and that will make the success all the more special once Celtic get across the finishing line.

“Of course, it’s a big ambition to win the league when you play for Celtic and to contribute in doing that would be a huge thing for me,” he told the View in an exclusive interview. “To win my first league title will be special. It’s a big thing to win silverware for Celtic, playing for such a big club with big expectations, and you want to prove yourself good enough and by winning the league so hopefully we will do that.