Kris Ajer has vowed to return to Celtic fitter and stronger.
The big defender is hardly a slouch but in week four without football he is lifting the weights and hammering the rowing machine to ensure that he requires minimal time to get upto scratch whenever the suspension of football is ended.
Alongside Chris Jullien the former IK Start man has formed a 13 foot barrier to opponents with Fraser Forster as insurance policy behind those two giants.
Despite being back in Norway with his girlfriend, Marte Kopp, the defender is in daily contact with Celtic and refusing to award himself a mini-holiday.
The Sun reports the defender saying:
“Since I’ve been here I’ve told Celtic’s physical trainer that I want to use this break we’re having to take some big fitness steps. I have two sessions a day, doing a lot of strength work, both on my own and with friends.”
Ajer maintains social distancing as he works out alongside Marte, her brother Eirik – an Olympic handball player – and some friends.
Ajer said: “I’m very lucky to be in a family that understands how important physical fitness is. Eirik is stronger than me, it’s not difficult for me to admit that. But I take him when we run!
“Training here has been fine, and I’m really enjoying it. Marte and I train a lot together and she’s my main supporter when I’m in Scotland as well.”
This season Ajer has played in 48 matches for Celtic taking Neil Lennon’s side to the brink of another treble.
Since joining Celtic in the summer of 2016 the Norwegian has known nothing but success with the hoops reeling off 10 successive domestic trophy wins.