Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer last night turned his back on interest from Germany to pledge his long-term future to the Parkhead club.

The 20-year-old signed a four year deal with Celtic and maintained that he had no interest in contemplating a move away from Glasgow after establishing himself in Brendan Rodgers side this season.

There was interest in the defender from Borussia Dortmund but the Norwegian believes that his needs will be best met continuing his education under Rodgers.

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“It was never in doubt,” said Ajer. “When you play for Celtic and perform in such a good team there will always be interest but for me it will always be about Celtic and when that opportunity came up I wasn’t in any doubt.

“To be fair I have never been interested in hearing about any of the interest levels. I was just 100% focussed on Celtic and when this opportunity came up to renew my contract I was really happy with that because there is not a better club for me to be at right now.

“The last year has gone quicker than I expected but I have always been training had and receiving a lot of help from the gaffer and the rest of the squad. They have believed in me as they do all their players and that makes it easier for a young guy coming to a massive club like this.”

Ajer was signed for Celtic by former manager Ronny Deila, although the duo never worked together. Ajer returned to IK Start after signing a pre-contract with Celtic and by the time he arrived in Glasgow that summer, Rodgers had taken charge.

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The Irishman has overseen the move from a central midfielder to a centre half and it is something that Ajer has taken firmly on board. The 20-year-old got his chance in the first-team following the 4-0 defeat at Tynecastle against Hearts just before Christmas but hasn’t looked back since.

“I didn’t know that would happen back then [moving into defence],” he said. “But it’s been really clear from the gaffer from the first minute since he arrived.

“He really saw me as a centre-half and deep down I’ve always known that myself. The time came for me to learn that role.

“Kilmarnock [on loan] was fantastic for me. They gave me game time and I really learned a lot at that club. So I’m really thankful to that club.”

The length of the deal that Celtic have given to Ajer would underline their expectations of the player. He enjoyed the title celebrations on Sunday afternoon as Celtic were handed the title and it is the first time that Ajer has collected silverware that he helped to play a part in winning.

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With a dour year deal ahead of him, his sights are set on many more, starting this weekend at Hampden as Celtic and Motherwell fight it out for the William Hill Scottish Cup final.

“It has been a great season for me this far so hopefully I can end it in a positive way on Saturday,” he said.

“It would mean a lot to me to win the Double Treble but Motherwell will make it really tough for us. We have had some really tough games against them this season so we have to be 100% ready for that game and we will be.

“My parents, Randi Vassbakk and Jan Tore Ajer, will be here for the Motherwell game at Hampden and then they will stay for the Scott Brown game too. It is probably just my Mum and Dad. They have been over for a lot of games this season and I think they’ll be looking forward to a break too!

“It was a great feeling getting my first league trophy. It meant a lot for me and my family to win it and know that you have played a role in it.”