Celtic round-up: Ajer can ’emulate’ van Dijk, Petrov’s Tierney reality check, Martinez statement

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Ajer can ’emulate’ van Dijk

Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer can take a similar path in football to that of Virgil van Dijk, according to former Hoops defender Johan Mjallby.

The big Norwegian is in great form at the moment, and is viewed by many as the modern-day equivalent of the imperious Liverpool ace.

van Dijk, of course, spent two full seasons at Parkhead before transferring to Southampton. He is now one of the world’s best defenders following a £75 million transfer to Anfield in January 2018.

Mjallby said of the promising Ajer, Football Scotland: “He could definitely follow the same path as Virgil Van Dijk if he stays. He’s got every chance. He’s very young. But he’s got all the attributes to become very good.”

Petrov’s Tierney reality check

Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov believes the club’s resolve will be tested this summer over Kieran Tierney.

The young defender is highly coveted having starred for the Bhoys since his debut in 2015.

Petrov admitted (quoted by The Daily Record): “If a huge offer comes in the reality is you have to take it. It will take big money to get him. I don’t know how much but it will be no problem for a Man United or whatever. He has the potential to go on and be world-class.”

Tierney has already played 168 times for Celtic and is still only 21.

Martinez statement

A statement has been issued from the Roberto Martinez camp to distance him from the permanent manager’s job at Parkhead.

The Spaniard’s agent Jesse de Preter said as quoted by The Daily Record: “Roberto always seems to be on the shortlist as soon as there is a vacancy at a big club. But this is a false rumour about him going to Celtic.

“It seems to have come from the fact Roberto has a Scottish wife and he obviously has ties to the country. However, there’s nothing to see here.”

Martinez is the latest manager to distance himself from the gig, with Alex Neill, Andre Villas-Boas having cooled interest and Marco Rose having agreed to become Borussia Monchengladbach’s next manager.