Kristoffer Ajer looking for January loan move

Highly-rated Norwegian youngster Kristoffer Ajer joined Celtic in the summer with ambitions of breaking into the first-team and building on a bright start to his career.

However, the 18-year-old has made just one appearance for Celtic to date against Lincoln Red Imps as Brendan Rodgers opts for experience in his side.

As quoted by Sky Sports, the youngster said:

My aim is to become the best defender in Norway and I feel like I have taken a huge step in the last six months. I come into training an hour before everyone else to improve my physical strength and then I train with the first team.

I have put on 7kg since I got here and I feel the training environment at Celtic is so important. The fact that I have converted to a defender means it will take more time for me to establish myself.

Brendan Rodgers has told me he strongly believes in me for that position. But I need to play at the highest possible level and, presumably I’ll be loaned out in January. It will probably be the second-tier in English football, but the main thing is to get playing time.

Ajer remained upbeat about his future, the Norwegian U18 international wants to keep getting better following his transition from central midfield to centre-back under Rodgers and hopes a loan move next month can allow him to do so.

Although he hasn’t been playing first-team football, the youngster has been training with them and has made five appearances in the UEFA Youth League for Celtic against the likes of Barcelona and Manchester city, which will provide valuable experience.

Celtic beat off competition from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, PSG and Roma for the signing of the IK Start standout on a pre-contract agreement back in January.

He signed a four-year contract with Celtic in July for a compensation fee in the region of £600-800,000.