Kristoffer Ajer insists he and Celtic both still see him as a future Parkhead star as he continues his football education at Kilmarnock.
Brought in by Ronny Deila in 2016 from IK Start back in his homeland, the Norwegian teenager found game time hard to come by in Glasgow, with only one appearance under Brendan Rodgers in the first team.
Now at Rugby Park on loan until the end of the season, the distance between him and his parent club have done little to fade the aspirations of the versatile defender.
Instead of feeling isolated, the mature 18-year-old is encouraged by the opportunity to play first-team football at a high level safe in the knowledge that big brother is keeping a close eye on him.
Along with close friend Ryan Christie who is on loan at Aberdeen, Ajer is pleased to be making his mark.
“The gaffer wanted us to go out and show that we are good enough to come back in the summer," he said. “That’s what we hope to do.
“I have contact with Celtic after every game I play and get feedback on what has been good and bad. That’s good for me.
“It’s always been the point of the loan. They see me as a future Celtic player and I need some extra game time. Everything is brilliant now.
“Of course I see myself as a future Celtic player and they do too. That’s good to know."
Ajer has brought some of his traits from Celtic Park to Kilmarnock with him. The strapping Norwegian, who spends his spare time studying to become a doctor, has given himself extra home work while on loan.
After each game the teen has asked for videos of his clips to be forwarded on to him for analysis, and he said: "I’ve got all my touches and stuff during the game, I get it after every game.
“It’s good to watch through with the coaches.
“I go home and study it too. It’s good always the day after a game to look through your game a few times.
“I’ve always been really eager to look and work on the details. But when I came to Celtic everything is more professional than what it is back in Norway.
“It’s a step up in every aspect but I’ve always done things like this."
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