Kris Ajer has admitted that his teammates are all eager to play their part in Thursday’s Europa League fixture versus Rennes, despite having qualified already.
The Norwegian defender, who has impressed beside Christopher Jullien, is hoping that the Celts can earn Euro Glory and win the group when the French side arrive at Celtic Park.
Despite Celtic’s hectic calendar before the SPFL’s Winter Shutdown, Ajer insists that no-one wants to miss out on the match – as reported in the Daily Record.
“Thursday is a massive game. We want to win the group and we can do it if we take the three points against Rennes.
“It’s important for us on both counts in the fact that we have ambitions to go far in Europe and if we win the group, we would meet a second placed team, but we also want to just keep winning and everyone wants to play.”
Celtic qualified with two games in hand after a triumph in Rome but a win against the French side would confirm the Scottish Champions as Group Winners, which could have implications on the Last 32 draw… SEE MORE HERE!
Ajer is hopeful that Neil Lennon goes with the same team that beat Livingston in order to keep rhythm in the XI.
“You want to be part of it and keep the rhythm. That’s the most important part.
“The staff behind the squad works so hard every single day to keep us fit. You see it in every single that we keep going until the end.”
However, the big defender’s wish won’t come true as he will lineup alongside Moritz Bauer as Frimpong is ineligible and Elhamed is out injured.
It could also prove to be an opportunity for Greg Taylor to make his European debut for Celtic with Jonny Hayes likely to have some time on the sidelines with a suspected shoulder injury and Boli Bolingoli returns from a muscle injury.