Kristoffer Ajer’s Celtic ambitions lay down the gauntlet to Jamie McCart

Follow us on Google Discover

19-year-old defensive duo Kristoffer Ajer and Jamie McCart will return to Celtic with their reputations enhanced – but who impressed Brendan Rodgers most?

Kristoffer Ajer will be more than aware of the challenge that faces him at Celtic next season.

With The Bhoys securing a domestic treble for the first time since 2001, and going through an entire season unbeaten in the league, manager Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to keep the nucleus of his history-making squad together.

And that means that Celtic will be desperate to hang onto central defensive duo Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic amid reported interest from the Premier League.

This, coupled with Dedryck Boyata’s sudden evolution into a competent centre-back, means Ajer will be hard pushed attempting to break into the first-team next season – despite Rodgers showing a willingness to give youth a chance.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Nonetheless, an excellent loan spell at mid-table Kilmarnock, comprising of 16 Scottish Premiership appearances, has shown that the 19-year-old can cut it in the top flight.

And he is returning to Celtic this summer full of ambition.

“It was a very successful loan at Kilmarnock. I played every minute and did very well. It has been a wonderful year,” the Norwegian, who arrived from IK Start in his homeland two years ago, told the Daily Record.

“Next season will be interesting for me. I’ll do everything I can to make it at Celtic. Ideally, I want to be in the team.

“They had a crazy season without a single loss so it won’t be easy. But they are a massive club who I want to get back to. Celtic have been closely following me and it shows they have faith in me.”

What this means for fellow Celtic youngster Jamie McCart, however, remains to be seen. The Scottish youngster is the same age as Ajer and also enhanced his reputation with an excellent loan spell lower down the Scottish Premiership.

Jamie McCart

Making 11 appearances for Inverness, the centre-back impressed despite Caley Thistle’s eventual relegation. However, there’s only so much space in Rodgers’ squad, meaning McCart and Ajer may be going head to head next season.