Add as preferred source on Google

With the game still goalless and Celtic needing a minor miracle in Valencia, Kristoffer Ajer missed a golden chance with a near post header.

The ball found the stands instead of the net, and with that went Celtic’s chance of pulling off a shock result in Spain.

However, the young Norwegian was immense on the night for Celtic in two different positions. He started out as a centre-half before moving to right back to cover the Jeremy Toljan red card.

He showed maturity beyond his years, and he once again displayed his massive potential for everyone to see.

If Ajer had headed in Ryan Christie’s superb delivery, we may be talking about one of Celtic’s greatest nights in European competition.

Down 2-0 on aggregate and a man down on the night, Ajer had the golden chance to get Celtic back into the tie.

Despite missing his big opportunity, Ajer’s performance was one he should be proud of.

He was strong in the tackle, and carried the ball under pressure up the park for Celtic.

He broke up the play numerous times, and passed the ball well as Celtic took control of the first half in Spain.

After Toljan’s red card, the youngster was moved to play as a right back. Again he did not disappoint.

Immediately, Ajer went on a roaming run down the right hand side. He put a ball across goal and proved that he could fill in if needed there.

Before his big chance later, he was unlucky when a goal bound left footed volley was blocked by the Valencia defence.

Celtic’s performance was brave and bold, and Ajer epitomised everything good about Celtic on the night.

A golden chance

Now Ajer has another golden chance – the opportunity to build on his strong performance in Valencia.

In one second half passage of play, he demonstrated his potential for a career further up the field.

Breaking out of defence, Ajer powered his way past two Valencia players before calmly playing the ball out wide.

Maybe perhaps, Ajer’s future lies in the middle of the park?

Celtic sure wouldn’t mind a destroyer type player to allow their flair players to do the damage.