Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer produced a classy post-match gesture as he stated that Shane Duffy deserved the man-of-the-match award over himelf.
Ajer was selected as today’s top performer after starring at right-back against Kilmarnock in a fine 2-0 success. The Norwegian was instrumental in building the vast majority of Celtic’s attacks, as he settles into life as a Parkhead full-back.
However, equally as impressive was the dominant Shane Duffy. Partnering Christopher Jullien, Duffy played a major role in both goals as his pressure forced a deflected Moi Elyounoussi strike into the net before he powered home a header of his own.
It was a huge display from Duffy as Celtic overtook Hibs in second place once again, and his display was well acknowledged by Ajer post-match. Speaking on Celtic TV, Kris said the following:
“I was happy with my own performance but today I think it was the wrong man-of-the-match. I think today Duffer deserved it. He’s been through a lot and I think the way he’s been in the dressing room and the way he performed today I’m delighted for him.
“So today I’ll give it to him.”
Classy and unified
Superb from Ajer and this is proper leadership being shown here by the Norwegian.
You have to remember that Ajer himself has hardly come in for plenty of praise in recent weeks. In fact, he’s been criticised for his lack of quality and careless errors both with his distribution and positionally. It would’ve been so easy for him to big his own display up and accept the award.
What he’s seen here is a team-mate who needs it more. The level of criticism Duffy has received has totally blown up, and he could do with some plaudits after his performances against both Lille and Kilmarnock respectively. Giving him the man-of-the-man award is just another nice step.
However, in truth, you could’ve given it to anybody in that backline. Whilst Ajer had a stormer down the right and Duffy was dominant at the heart of the defence, Chris Jullien also showed his quality. He dominated Nicke Kabamba today after a tough time against the same striker back in August.
This was big for him this afternoon, and you can see how good this back-line can be when it has a bit of confidence behind it. There really is quality across all of them, and hopefully we can start to see it more consistently.
Next up is Celtic vs Hearts at Hampden in the Scottish Cup final – it remains to be seen if all three start once again.
In other news, one of Celtic’s biggest positives today came in the final five minutes.
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