OPINION
Norwegian Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer is exactly right to insist that he is happy where is after he was issued transfer advice by his international coach.
Norway coach Lars Lagerback told The Scottish Sun that the Hoops 21-year-old could develop quicker as a player if he sought pastures new with a move to a different league.
Speaking to the same newspaper in response to the advice, Ajer – who made 45 appearances for Celtic last season – said that he is loving life at Parkhead.
“I have a three-year deal at Celtic and I am one of the world’s biggest clubs. I love to play there,” the defender said. “That’s the only thing I am focusing on.
“It’s a really exciting time. Neil Lennon has come in and done a very good job. We won the treble. It’s fantastic to be in Glasgow. I am looking forward to next season.
“The past six months have undoubtedly been the best in my career. I have played all the matches and performed well with the rest of the team. It’s been really good.”
And Ajer is exactly right to come out with these comments, for there are not many other clubs where he could get the same chances as he has done at Celtic over the last 12 months.
If Ajer was to take his coach’s advice and seek a new challenge and a step up, there are not many clubs he could go to and be guaranteed of first-team football.
At Celtic, although making 23 Premiership appearances is hardly showing that he plays every league game of the season, it’s a lot more than he would get if he was to move.
Besides, with Celtic dominating Scottish football at the minute, it is a great place to learn and develop, and now that Neil Lennon has come in, Ajer can learn from someone who has proved himself as a winner both as a player and as a manager.
The club are on a high after completing the treble treble, and there is every possibility that following a good showing over the season, Ajer will get even more game time than he did this term.
As the defender says, he has a three-year contract and there is no reason why he should jump ship when there are so many opportunities to thrive staring him in the face at Parkhead.