KILLIE SNAP UP CELTIC TEENAGE ACE

The versatile 18-year-old midfielder or central defender was captain of IK Start in his homeland and signed for Ronny Deila’s Hoops just over a year ago before arriving in the summer.

However, he has struggled to gain a first team place in Brendan Rodgers’ side and has made only one top-side outing, against Lincoln Red Imps in July.

Ajer will join the Rugby Park side for his first training session this morning.

He made his debut for IK Start aged 16 and made more than 50 appearances for the Tippeligaen side.

Ajer could go straight into Lee Clark’s first team.

The youngster has three-and-a-half years remaining on his Parkhead contract.

Ayer, speaking to Norwegian media, explained why he’s off to Killie rather than go down south. “Brendan Rodgers wanted me to be near Glasgow. It has gone very well in recent months, and now it’s been decided that I will play as a central defender.

“Celtic will see me as a central defender, and they will see me in the Scottish league. Now it will be important for me to get playing time and experience as a central defender.”

The Celtic manager is also happy with the move.“Kris will go to Kilmarnock. There were a couple of options but it’s good for him to play there,” Rodgers explained.

“He has settled in here so he can go and play there for the rest of the season where we can keep a close eye on him and take him back.”