Friday 20 January 2017 14:15, UK
Celtic youngster Kristoffer Ajer has joined Kilmarnock on loan until the end of the season.
The 18-year-old, who can play in midfield and central defence, signed for the Hoops on a pre-contract agreement a year ago from Norwegian club IK Start before moving to Glasgow in the summer.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers views Ajer as a long-term prospect and has only played him in one competitive match this season, a 3-0 Champions League qualifying victory over Lincoln Red Imps.
The Norway youth international is expected to go into Lee Clark's Kilmarnock squad for the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Hamilton at Rugby Park.
Ajer, who still has three-and-a-half years on his contract at Celtic Park, had been expected to move to England on loan, but he explained Rodgers was keen to have him stay in Scotland.
"Brendan Rodgers wanted me to be near Glasgow. It has gone very well in recent months, and now it's been decided that I will play as a central defender," Ajer said.
"Celtic will see me as a central defender, and they will see me in the Scottish league. Now it will be important for me to get playing time and experience as a central defender."
Rodgers is also happy with the move, and the Celtic manager is looking forward to seeing how Ajer develops.
"Kris will go to Kilmarnock. There were a couple of options but it's good for him to play there," Rodgers said.
"He has settled in here so he can go and play there for the rest of the season where we can keep a close eye on him and take him back."
