KRISTOFFER AJER admits he is desperate for inspirational Kieran Tierney to stay at the champions.
The 20-year-old Norwegian credits his colleague, only a year his senior, for his progress since becoming a regular first-team player last season.
Tierney is a big-money target for English clubs – with Everton poised to make their interest official today – and Ajer says he is not shocked in the interest in his pal because he is one of the best around.
But he wants that talent to flourish at Parkhead where KT is lauded by the Hoops support.
Ajer stressed the admiration also runs through the dressing room and the entire group don’t want to see him leave.
The Norway international said: “KT’s been fantastic and has really helped me a lot coming into the group. He’s just a fantastic full-back and it’s just fantastic to play alongside him.
“He’s a massive Celtic fan, so it’s really nice to see. He knows a lot about the club and its history. It’s just nice to see such a big fan playing for the team.
“When you play for Celtic, do well and have won the treble twice, there is always going to be interest in you.
“But when you play for such a massive club as Celtic, it’s a fantastic place to be. For me to be able to sign a new contract at such a club was fantastic.
“KT has been tremendous for us and has proved himself over a number of seasons. We’re desperate for this group to stay together. He’s an important player in the squad and we want him to stay.”
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