He has been described by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers as “coachable” and Kristoffer Ajer confirmed that he envisages his football education best served by remaining in Glasgow.

There was an alliance on both sides last night as the 20-year-old, who has recently broken into the senior Norwegian national side, signed a four-year deal with Celtic.

The length of the contract would appear to suggest the potential that the Parkhead side see in the defender so much as the player himself believes that he can reach it at the club.

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There had been chat of interest in Ajer from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund but any speculation appeared to fall on deaf ears.

“It was never in doubt,” said Ajer. “When you play for Celtic and perform in such a good team there will always be interest but for me it will always be about Celtic and when that opportunity came up I wasn’t in any doubt.

“To be fair I have never been interested in hearing about any of the interest levels. I was just 100% focussed on Celtic and when this opportunity came up to renew my contract I was really happy with that because there is not a better club for me to be at right now.

“The last year has gone quicker than I expected but I have always been training had and receiving a lot of help from the gaffer and the rest of the squad. They have believed in me as they do all their players and that makes it easier for a young guy coming to a massive club like this.”

Ajer was signed for Celtic by former manager Ronny Deila, although the duo never worked together. Ajer returned to IK Start after signing a pre-contract with Celtic and by the time he arrived in Glasgow that summer, Rodgers had taken charge.

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The Irishman has overseen the move further back the pitch from a central midfielder to a centre half and it is something that Ajer has taken firmly on board. The 20-year-old got his chance in the first-team following the 4-0 defeat at Tynecastle against Hearts just before Christmas but hasn’t looked back since.

“I didn’t know that would happen back then [moving into defence],” he said. “But it’s been really clear from the gaffer from the first minute since he arrived.

“He really saw me as a centre-half and deep down I’ve always known that myself. The time came for me to learn that role.

“Kilmarnock [on loan] was fantastic for me. They gave me game time and I really learned a lot at that club. So I’m really thankful to that club.” It could be quite the season for the calm Norwegian. Last year he watched Celtic win the William Hill Scottish Cup in the most dramatic of circumstances from his homeland after completing a six-month loan spell in Ayrshire, but this term he has the opportunity to be front and centre. He joked that the final might be the perfect place for him to score his first goal for the club but the prospect of making history with the Parkhead side this weekend is something that he takes seriously. Rodgers’ side have the opportunity to pen a unique chapter into Scottish football folklore by claiming a back-to-back Treble, an unprecedented achievement .

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“It has been a great season for me this far so hopefully I can end it in a positive way on Saturday,” said Ajer.

“It would mean a lot to me to win the Double Treble but Motherwell will make it really tough for us. We have had some really tough games against them this season so we have to be 100% ready for that game and we will be.

“My parents, Randi Vassbakk and Jan Tore Ajer, will be here for the Motherwell game at Hampden and then they will stay for the Scott Brown game too. It is probably just my Mum and Dad. They have been over for a lot of games this season and I think they’ll be looking forward to a break too!

“It was a great feeling getting my first league trophy [on Sunday]. It meant a lot for me and my family to win it and know that you have played a role in it.

When you play for such a big club you want to achieve and win silverware. There are expectations when you play for Celtic. That’s why I love playing here. I will try to continue playing at a top level and do well.” Motherwell have developed a reputation for focusing on the more physical elements of the game. Ajer, though, is unperturbed at the thought of the challenge that lies ahead. “Motherwell’s a really good team and they’ve performed at a really high level throughout the season. I think they can really hurt us if we’re not 100 per cent at it.

“But, we’ll make sure we can make it a tough game for them too.”