KRISTOFFER AJER was delighted to be a big noise as he made his Parkhead debut in the 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.
The Norwegian, who agreed a pre-contract to join Celtic from FK Start in January, made his first appearance quicker than anticipated.
Ajer got the nod from boss Brendan Rodgers to take his bow in front of the Hoops fans in the 18th minute after Erik Sviatchenko suffered a head injury in a clash with the German goalkeeper.
The 18-year-old new Bhoy had a few nervy touches, but settled to win the Man of the Match award.
He said: “It was my biggest experience ever, running out there without warming up and I did some mistakes in the beginning that I’m not proud of.
“But, after a while, I performed well and it was a big experience hearing the fans shouting for me.
“To play at Celtic Park in front of so many people was amazing.”
Ajer featured alongside Sviatchenko in the four pre-season games in Slovenia and Austria, but surprisingly was overlooked for even a place on the substitutes’ bench in last week’s 1-0 shocker against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.
The 6ft 5in Norwegian was signed as a midfielder, but has yet to figure in his more recognised role under Rodgers’ regime.
Ajer added: “It’s a big honour playing for Celtic and to get the Man of the Match is brilliant. I came to Celtic to play and if the manager gives me the opportunity, I’m ready.
“He has a lot of midfielders, so he knows I can play there, but he also wants me to develop as a centre-half. I think it is good to be able to play more positions.
“The only thing I’m working on is to develop and to play games and if that means I need to play centre-half I will play there.”
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