Kristoffer Ajer hopes that a step back and switch of clubs can help make his ambitions come true.
The 18-year-old was Ronny Deila’s last Celtic signing but has found his career changed by Brendan Rodgers.
Ajer started the season captaining Start as a central midfielder but is entering 2017 looking for a loan deal as a defender.
The teenager hasn’t featured in any competitive matches for Celtic but impressed Rodgers in pre-season when he was switched into defence a couple of times.
At six foot six Ajer would seem to be a natural at the back with his ambitions set high as he looks forward to the new year.
“My aim is to become the best defender in Norway – I feel like I have taken a huge step in the last six months,” The Sun reports Ajer saying.
“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 seven kilogrammes 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 will be loaned out in January.
“It will probably be the second tier in English football, but the main thing is to get playing time.”
Celtic have rarely got involved in loan deals with English clubs with Callum McGregor’s move to Notts County a notable success. At the same time Bahrudin Atajic didn’t enjoy much success with Shrewsbury which probably leaves Brendan Rodgers to come up with the ideal opportunity for Ajer.
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