Kristoffer Ajer has told Brendan Rodgers that he is ready to answer a defensive SOS ahead of Wednesday night.
The Hoops play FC Astana in the second leg of their third round UEFA Champions League qualifier at Celtic Park but with a catalogue of injury problems, Celtic need all the help they can get.
Nir Bitton was added to the list of crocks when he damaged his medial ligament in the opening minute of Saturday’s game against Barcelona at the Aviva stadium in Dublin, and with Erik Sviatchenko and Kolo Toure also fighting for fitness while Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata are out, there is a dearth of options available to the Celtic manager.
READ MORE: Hoops look to take on board the lessons of Barca as they look to Astana tie
Ajer missed the first leg of the tie because of a broken bone in his hand but featured at the weekend against Barca – and is ready to helped the Hoop’s Champions League cause.
“Before I came to Celtic I had only played one game as a central defender, I had played mostly in the middle of the park,” said the 18-year-old. “But I have played there now for Celtic and I am getting more comfortable every time I play there.
“We are struggling with defenders because so many players are injured so it is a big opportunity for me. Of course I feel ready. I hope I have shown the manager that I am a player he can trust.
“It is a big game for the club but I would be excited to play my part, if I was asked. I am happy to play anywhere to help the team.”
Ajer has also revealed that he has exchanged text messages with Ronny Deila since featuring for the Parkhead side this summer. The Norwegian signed a pre-contract agreement with the club last January when he was with IK Start, but by the time he arrived Deila had parted company with Celtic.
Read more: Hoops look to take on board the lessons of Barca as they look to Astana tie
“Ronny has text me to wish me good luck. He text me after I had played centre-half here and told me to enjoy every moment of playing at Celtic Park,” said Ajer. “I also wanted to wish him good luck too because he brought me to the club and it was just the way that things happened that we did not work on the field together.”
The teenager has made a reasonable impression since arriving from Start but he is keen to solidify his role at the club. Rodgers is keen to add four players before the closure of the transfer window next month which may limit his first-team opportunities, hence the reason he is keen to press home his case now.
Read more: Hoops look to take on board the lessons of Barca as they look to Astana tie
“It has been amazing for me already,” he said. “People speak about the Barcelona game as a friendly but it didn’t seem like that for me. It was a chance to play against one of the very best teams in the world and it feels like already I have come a long way since I came to the club.
“It feels exciting. I would love to play in the Champions League. Like every player I have grown up watching these games on television. To be a part of the best competition in the world can only make you a better player and so many people have told me what the stadium is like on nights like that.
“I just want to keep going and get the chance to play as often as I can.”
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