Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer claims that he is “still learning the songs” but the Norwegian teenager has hit the right notes with Brendan Rodgers these past few months. As Sunday’s league game against Rangers draws into sharp focus, Ajer’s concentration lies on ensuring that the Parkhead side have something to sing about when the dust falls on the encounter.
That in itself tells a story. Twelve months ago Celtic were so far out of sight that not even the use of a Nasa telescope could have brought the Parkhead side back into view. For the first time since Brendan Rodgers arrived at Celtic in June 2016, there is a league game between the clubs that carries a genuine edge; while the rest were more about face and swagger, this one may well carry a consequence should there be a slip.
Read more: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers ignoring the Rangers noise
Just six points separate Celtic from Rangers at the top of the league table, albeit that consideration must be given to both the game in hand that Rodgers’ side have as well as their substantial goal difference which in effect would be worth a point in itself. Still, it says much about where Rangers were and where they might be going that there is even a charade of a league title race in March.
There has been some glee in the Ibrox camp at the thought of pegging back a Celtic side who have been domestically rampant. And for a game that doesn’t shy away from drama, the potential for a rumpus will be an undercurrent to the narrative this week.
“You need to have the right mentality to play in those games,” said Ajer. “You need to be focused. You need to focus on the pitch - and not everything else around it.”
Which is sometimes easier said than done. Ajer has experienced Ibrox as a Celtic player only one and that was from the confines of the stand as much of what was going on round about him sailed over his head.
“I travelled there the last time but I wasn’t in the squad,” he said. “I sat in with the Celtic fans and it was a good experience. We won 2-0, it was a good result - but I wasn’t singing. I am still trying to learn the songs.”
The defender, converted by Rodgers from a central midfielder, got a closer look at Rangers when the teams met against in December as they played out a goalless draw at Celtic Park. The injury issues that wrecked Rodgers’ favoured backline gave Ajer an opening in the games following the sobering defeat at Tynecastle and the player has been a mainstay since then.
Interestingly, with German defender Marvin Compper available after making his debut on Saturday two months after he arrived at Celtic it could be that Rodgers goes for experience. What Compper lacks in match fitness he will make up for in awareness and his presence at least gives some options. Dedryck Boyata, too, is expected to be declared fit for the game although the Belgian defender has not played since sustaining a groin injury at Rugby Park at the beginning of February.
“Starting the last game against Rangers was a big moment for me,” said Ajer. “We kept a clean sheet and did pretty well defensively. Craig Gordon had a fantastic game. He made one or two big saves and was fantastic. After that, it gave me a chance to kick on.
“I know that when you play centre-half for Celtic, you are expected to deliver every single time. That is what I try to do. I need to be 100% ready for everything that happens to me.” The build-up to the game will inevitably dominate the backpages this week but the teenager will keep his distance from the incessant chat.
“After training, I try to stay away from all that happens in Glasgow between the clubs,” said Ajer. “It’s important that you don’t think about anything else apart from the games.It takes away energy if you do that. I know that every game means a lot to them [the support] and we have to remember that but keep our focus.”
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