Kristoffer Ajer must use ‘bitter’ experience to Celtic’s advantage

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Being a Celtic player on international duty must be something of a strange experience. Often, they go from being expected to win, to fighting out tough fixtures against lesser national sides. Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer certainly experienced that this week.

The Norwegian was in action for his country this week. However, it was not a game that went to plan. Norway lost 1-0 to Bulgaria after a goal from Cherno More attacker Radoslav Vasilev.

For Ajer, it was an experience he described as ‘bitter’, with Norway perhaps unlucky to be on the receiving end of a defeat.

“It left a bitter taste. We produce enough chances to score a few goals in the first half but we were not good enough in our own box and conceded from the only chance they created.

“Of course it was frustrating and it felt undeserved.”

– Ajer comments after Bulgaria defeat

The Celtic man should, however, embrace the tough nature of that defeat. At times, playing for Celtic, it must be hard to get motivated when winning becomes so habitual. The Hoops are a cut above the other teams in their nation and it can be a tough place to truly improve on your game.

This sort of fixture is the perfect practice for the Celtic defender ahead of future European campaigns. That is somewhere Celtic have struggled in recent years and the area fans would like to see the most major improvements.

If Ajer can continue to be a regular with Norway, even the ‘bitter’ results will help him improve as a player for Celtic.