Norway manager Lars Lagerback has delivered a crucial update on the status of Kristoffer Ajer by revealing the Celtic mainstay is fully fit after his injury worries ahead of the international break.
The centre back was pulled off by Hoops boss Neil Lennon in Sunday’s dramatic 1-0 win over Dundee after picking up a knock, putting his place with his country’s national side under threat.
However, Lagerback has revealed that a conversation with the Bhoys mainstay has revealed there is nothing wrong with him and that he will play a key role for Norway in their European qualifiers.
The international boss told the Scottish Sun: “Kristoffer is doing well. I have met him today and there are no problems. He got a knock during the game, but it wasn’t dangerous and he will be an important player for us in Spain.
“There’s no chance Spain will underestimate us. They are too professional for that. They are used to playing teams like Norway. That’s why experienced players like Kristoffer will play a big part for us. We are going to try and get something from Valencia.
Opinion
Great news for the player, Lagerback and the Hoops, who would have no doubt had fears over him playing for his country if there were any doubts about his fitness. It did not seem a serious injury against Dundee but sometimes it is the innocuous ones which can keep players out of action for the longest time. He is one of the most important players in Neil Lennon’s squad and with the lack of quality running through the side at centre back, the Northern Irish boss probably would have wanted to keep him wrapped up in cotton wool for the clash against Rangers after the international break. Still, playing for his country will give him some more experience and at 20-years-old, coming up against some of the best players in the world in the shape of the Spain squad will do his development no harm at all. Fingers will be crossed he comes back in one piece though.