Ajer started at centre-back as Celtic progressed to the Champions League group stage despite the loss.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Celtic have qualified for the Champions League group stage after an 8-4 aggregate win against Kazakh champions Astana.
But despite taking a 5-0 lead into Tuesday’s second leg in Central Asia, the Bhoys’ evening was by no means straightforward.
Astana went 4-1 up midway through the second half to set up a nervy final quarter, in which goals from Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths eventually ensured only a narrow defeat for Brendan Rodgers’ side on the night.
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths
Without a trio of senior central defenders – Jozo Simunovic, Erik Sviatchenko and Dederyck Boyata – heading into the game, Celtic were forced to field an unfamiliar pairing of Nir Bitton and Kristoffer Ajer at the heart of their back four.
And though neither player covered themselves in glory, it was an evening to forget for the latter in particular, who started the Astana ball rolling with a first half own goal.
Celtic defender Kristopher Ajer
This is how the Celtic fans reacted to the 19-year-old’s performance on Twitter:
Do Celtic need to strengthen at centre-half and, if so, who should they sign?
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