Brendan Rodgers believes that one of the youngsters he inherited after his prodigious talent was identified by his predecessor is beginning to blossom at Celtic.

Teenager Kristoffer Ajer played like a veteran at Dens Park on Boxing Day and the central defender, who was signed by Ronny Deila last year but joined the club only after his fellow Norwegian had departed.

He has taken time to force his way into the team after spending his first six months with the club on loan at Kilmarnock, is now clearly impressing the man in charge, having started all three of their matches since the shock 4-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle, during which Celtic have maintained three clean sheets.

“He was top class, wasn’t he?” Rodgers enthused.

“Nineteen years of age, defended well, read the game well, six foot five, quick and then you see how he steps in with the ball. He’s recognising the space of when to go in and give us the extra man.”

That description outlines the natural attributes boasted by the Norway under-21 international however Rodgers said that he is particularly pleased with the way Ajer is applying himself to his work, keeping his wits about him at all times in a position in which experience can be a particularly vital component.

“He was very assured and what I like about him now is his concentration,” the manager added.

“He’s very alert now as a defender and I like defenders on edge and alert for the danger and he’s very much that.”