Ajer reveals his ambitions after successful Kilmarnock loan

Kristoffer Ajer is determined to play a pivotal role in the Celtic squad next season after a successful loan spell at Kilmarnock.

Rodgers could not find a place for the youngster in his squad last season, although he gained valuable experience under Lee McCulloch, and he was one of Killie’s best players.

Now, the 19-year-old Norwegian believes it is his time to break through into Rodgers’ starting line-up.

Speaking to the Daily Record he said:

It has been the best season of my career without a doubt. At Celtic, even though I was not playing much, that wasn’t unusual because we have a big squad and there are many who don’t play.

But I learned so much in a new position. Next season will be interesting for me. The plan is to return to Celtic this summer.

I’ll do everything I can to make it at Celtic. Ideally, I want to be in the team, so we will see how it goes. They had a crazy season without a single loss so it won’t be easy. But they are a massive club who I want to get back to.

Celtic have been closely following me and it shows they have faith in me. It was very important to me I was able to get out and play at another club in a new position for me.

The youngster accepted that his move last season was the best option, however he will not accept the same next season and believes he has gained enough SPFL experience to compete with the current Bhoys.

Ajer was converted to a central defender over the summer and during his loan spell, as it was seen as the natural position for him by Rodgers and Ronny Deila before him when originally he secured the deal two months before announcing he was leaving the club.

But he has tough competition with the likes of Jozo Simunovic, Erik Sviachenko, and Dedryck Boyata all playing a role in Celtic’s unbeaten domestic treble season.