Kris Ajer went above and beyond the call of duty today to ensure a vital derby day success for Celtic.
All around him defenders were falling over but almost on his own the 20-year-old held Celtic’s constantly changing defence together.
Soon after Kieran Tierney was substituted Dedryck Boyata pulled up with a hamstring strain, forcing Jeremy Toljan to switch from left to right, Mikael Lustig into the centre as Callum McGregor dropped deeper to left back.
When James Forrest restored Celtic’s lead it forced the Ibrox side into renewed effort but they found the young Norwegian in inspired form.
Joe Worrall should have forced home an equaliser but the passion of Ajer wouldn’t allow it as he celebrated as if he had scored a last minute winner.
There was still time for two more decisive blocks and tackles, after the final whistle he found the energy to race after a young fan in the custody of a steward to hand over his precious match worn jersey.
French eddie is a level above..
Broony bossed them..
Big ajer is gonna be better than van dijk…
Lennon isnt the man to take us forward….
say hello to 8 in a row..????????????— PD88…. (@dowdalls67) March 31, 2019
Ajer….saved the day, great talent, the future is bright for this lad and celtic
He was immense at the end.
Defends like his family’s life depends on it…..fuckin love his big heart!— peter kirwan (@pedgem) March 31, 2019
Announce Ballad of Kris Ajer
— Rikos (@Rikos67_) March 31, 2019
Big Ajer was outstanding today that tackle near the end was immense, hes only 20 aswell ???????????????? #hailhail #8inarow
— The Goose (@mickcroly) March 31, 2019
Build a defence around Ajer the bhoy played out of skin. When he eventually leaves his transfer will smash the record set in Scotland …..
— COYBIGreen1888 (@CassarHouse) March 31, 2019
Ajer is only 20 years old and played amazing and this tackle basically won the points for us, the celebration after he intercepts it.. inject it into my veins ???????? https://t.co/0TH6tcJT2R
— c (@hiFletch) March 31, 2019
Just watched whole game again. How immense was Kris Ajer? Wow.
— john whalen ???? (@gcfcjohn) March 31, 2019
There is no one more underated at Celtic that Ajer…the guys bleeds Celtic, defends like his life depends on it & walks over Benkovic when it comes to actual football….Rolls Royce Defender!
— Fitzy ???? (@Fitzy_07) March 31, 2019