Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer is a surprise player for Norway says Riseth

By Connor Gordon

March 26, 2019

Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer is having the time of his life on international duty with Norway.

Stand out performances notably against Spain is getting the wider public interested in him.

The once upon a time midfielder is fitting in well with his new found position.

This is the view of former Hoops man and fellow Norwegian Vidar Riseth.

Riseth loving Ajer influence on Norway

The former midfielder/defender believes that Celtic’s utility centre-half is rapidly improving.

Vidar Riseth likes what he sees from fellow Norwegian. (Photo by Stu Forster /Allsport)

The 46-year-old who won one League Cup at Celtic in two years believes Ajer has the full package.

He told the Daily Record: “I travelled to Valencia for the game and it was a good performance from Norway – especially from Ajer. You can see his game has gone up to a new level.

“He was up against Morata, who is one of the best strikers in the world. But he had no problems with Morata.”

This is a massive compliment from Riseth towards Ajer who also stood out in the Mestalla in the Europa League last month.

Defender standing out against Valencia in the Mestalla last month. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The 20-year-old is perhaps Celtic’s best kept secret but with standout national performances, some will be wondering how long before other teams catch wind of him.

Defender is key to overcoming Rangers, says Riseth

The 52 time Norwegian international believes his younger countryman will be the secret ingredient to toppling Rangers on Sunday.

After dealing with the likes of Morata in the Mestalla, surely the Gers forwards will be an easier task?

Riseth said: “Rangers have some dangerous strikers but Ajer has become a very strong defender and one of the key men for Celtic and for Norway.”

Riseth is unhappy in the 1999 Shame Game when Rangers won the league at Celtic Park. (Photo by Stu Forster /Allsport)

Hopefully the defender does continue to develop under the guidance of Neil Lennon and the next manager.

He is clearly a mature person and someone with his head screwed on and knows what he wants.

However, the most important thing is the next match when the world will be watching.

It’ll be up to Ajer to show that he has what it takes to reach the next level on the massive occasions.