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Neil Lennon’s Euro rant was music to Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer’s ears

Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer celebrates the opener against Nomme Kalju
Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer celebrates the opener against Nomme Kalju

Kristoffer Ajer says the fact Neil Lennon ranted at his players when they were leading 3-0 against Nomme Kalju in midweek is the difference between Celtic and their rivals.

Having ultimately ran out 5-0 winners, the Hoops will now have the luxury of using the return leg in Estonia as an opportunity to give some of their fringe stars extra game time.

And if the half-time lecture sounds harsh viewed from the outside, the Norwegian, who opened the scoring, argues he and his team-mates know the demands for excellence will need to be met for the club to progress to the group stages of the Champions League.

“It is healthy for a team to get a wake-up call sometimes,” said Ajer.

“That’s just football. I am used to that from every single team I have been in.

“This gaffer is no different. He gives you a clear message when you need it.

“However, what makes this club special is the fact we were 3-0 up when the gaffer spoke to us.

“You can be leading by three goals, but you can still be unhappy with the performance.

“There were a few slack moments in the first half, and we weren’t happy with that. The manager sent a clear message to us and we got better.

“At half-time, he spoke to us and it made us even better. You could see that from the first whistle of the second half – we were straight on it.

“The gaffer has put his mark down since day one of coming in.

“We won the trophies that he could last season, and we have had a great start this season.

“He has done fantastic. But it’s still early days, so we need to keep working.”

On an individual level, the arrival of new £7-million signing, Christopher Jullien, would look to have weakened the 21-year-old’s prospects of staying in the team, but he is philosophical.

“That’s one of the best things about playing for Celtic – there is always pressure,” said Ajer.

“You can never be complacent, and I really enjoy that.

“Chris will bring great experience to the team. He has been good in training and he is a great leader. He talks a lot and he will bring a lot to us, for sure.

“It is a healthy mind-set to not think you are better than the last game you played.

“There are a lot of top-quality centre-halves ready to take your place if you don’t perform.

“I know I need to perform in every game, and that’s what will keep driving me on to become better.”