Craig Gordon has no fears about pitching Kristoffer Ajer into Wednesday’s Champions League clash in Norway.
The young defender has turned in two impressive performances against Roseborg and Sunderland to put himself in the frame for Wednesday’s match.
An injury to Erik Sviatchenko opened the door for Ajer leaving Brendan Rodgers with a big call to make if Sviatchenko declares himself fit for the return match.
A year ago the Celtic boss was forced into bringing in Eoghan O’Connell but according to Gordon there is no risk involved in picking the Norwegian teenager.
“Kristoffer is a very level headed young lad,” the Celtic keeper told The Sun. “He took the game in his stride. I think he’s a good player for the future and he’s still developing as a player.
“Kristoffer came as a midfielder, but now he’s starting to play at centre-back. He’s comfortable on the ball and he’s clever as well, he knows what positions to be in.
“He’s got a bright future. We just need to keep nurturing him along. These experiences are only going to help him progress.
“Kristoffer is a very committed defender. He really wants to win the ball. I think given time to settle into that role, you’ll see the best of him.
“The manager’s obviously shown a lot of faith in him — and the players do as well.
“You think sometimes when a young player comes into the team you maybe shield him a bit but you give him the ball and he’s always happy to take it.
“He gets into good areas and wants to make good passes, so there are no fears from us about Kristoffer going over there and doing a good job.”
Most attention over the next couple of days will be on the fitness of Leigh Griffiths as Celtic look for the goal or goals needed to reach the play-off round of the Champions League.
Gordon was left out of Saturday’s 5-0 win at Sunderland where his deputy Dorus de Vries saved a first half penalty.
Rosenborg didn’t have a game at the weekend with their sole focus on preparing for the return leg of their Champions League tie with Celtic.