Celtic duo Mikael Lustig and Kristoffer Ajer to do battle in two weeks

By David Walton

March 14, 2019

Mikael Lustig and Kristoffer Ajer are set to do battle on the international stage, as Sweden take on Norway in two weeks’ time.

The pair may be preparing for a Scottish Premiership match at Dundee on Sunday, but in less than two weeks’ time they’ll be gunning for each other.

It’s the first time Sweden and Norway have met in a competitive match whilst both players have been at Celtic. There has been one friendly encounter between them back in June 2017. That match ended 1-1

It won’t be the first match of the international break for either side, however. Their meeting in Oslo comes on March 26th. Sweden will firstly host Romania, whilst Norway travel to Spain in the first set of fixtures in Group F of the Euro 2020 qualification round.

Kristoffer Ajer will be looking to increase his burgeoning reputation against Sweden (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Lustig opened up in the Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 33, page 19) about the contest.

“We have Romania at home and Norway away in the European Championship qualifiers. I’m looking forward to meeting up with all of the boys again. The form over the last couple of years has been incredible, and hopefully we can continue that.

“I’ve faced Kristoffer Ajer in a friendly but never in a qualification match. I’m looking forward to it. Obviously, neither of us will be thinking about anything other than trying to help our country win that match, but we’ve already been winding each other up ahead of the game.”

The last time they’ll face each other?

Given Lustig’s contract situation, this could be the last time they face each other whilst both at Celtic. The Swede’s contract is coming to an end at the end of the season. As of yet, there’s been no reports of a new deal offered by the club.

Mikael Lustig is a veteran at international level (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Ajer, on the other hand, has been absolutely flying. He’s made 35 appearances for club and country this season. This also comes after signing a new, long-term contract back in May 2018. His future at Parkhead is secured, whilst Lustig’s is anything but.

There’s still time for the Swede to be offered a new deal, but Celtic have to upgrade at right-back in the summer.

In any case, this international clash is huge for both men. As always, keeping fit is paramount ahead of the Rangers game. But good luck to both regardless.