KRISTOFFER AJER spoke for all the Celtic players and staff when he spoke about the wonderful job that Brendan Rodgers has done at the club since taking over from Ronny Deila in May 2016.
On a personal level the 20 year old Norwegian has been transformed from a midfielder at the fringes of the squad into a first pick central defender by the Irishman.
“Obviously the gaffer has done a brilliant job here. All the players and staff enjoy working with him and he’s done really well.
“He has improved me a lot. When he came in I was a midfielder and he’s really helped me a lot to become a centre-half,” Ajer stated.
“He’s changed my career. Centre-back is the position I play now and will be the position I play in my career.”
That faith shown in the player has not only got him a starting place at Celtic but he’s also made his international debut and attracted the attention of clubs in England and Germany, many seeing him is the next Virgil van Dijk.
None of that was on Ajer’s and though as he looked back on the frustrating day at Easter Road on Saturday when Neil Lennon’s side fought for everything, took their chances – Tom Rogic unusually for him left his shooting boots at home – and denied Celtic the chance to celebrate the league win.
“We were really looking forward to this game but Hibs are a really good team and we knew they would make it difficult for us,” Ajer said as he started to look towards the next chance to wrap up the title – this Sunday against Rangers!
“They played a fantastic game, they pressed us well and they deserved the win.
“When you play for Celtic you always have to get ready for the next game because you know that everyone wants to beat you.
“It’s a possibility next weekend to win the league — and that’s what we’re hoping to do.
“We respect all the teams in this league and Rangers will make it tough for us next weekend as well.
“There are many good teams in this league and they can really hurt you if you’re not up for the games. So we need to be 100 per cent ready for every game.
“For me, to win the league would mean a lot. Of course you want to win it yourself but I think we have played so many good games in the league and that’s the reason we are at the top now.
“But if we win it on Sunday then that will be great.
“Last season was a fantastic season but we are in the Scottish Cup Final, we can win the league and we already won the cup before Christmas.
“So I think we’ve had a good season. But we want to finish our last five games with good performances.”
