Kristoffer Ajer surprised by Norway call-up
The Celtic defender features in Norway's senior squad for the first time
Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer admits his Norway call-up came sooner than anticipated - and that he only found out about it through a televised press conference.
The 19-year-old centre-back was named in National manager Lars Lagerback's 24-man squad for Norway's upcoming friendlies against Australia in Oslo and Albania in Elbasan.
Ajer, who has represented his country at every level from under-15 to under-21, has become a mainstay in the Celtic side this season but thought he might have to wait longer to make the final step with Norway.
"When you grow up loving football and supporting Norway you always have that dream to play for your country one day,'' he told Celtic View.
"I've been in the national teams since under-15 level so I've always been aiming for this target.
"I felt I would eventually get there but it has come a lot quicker than I expected.
"I found out from watching the press conference, which is how they usually do it with Norway. I was watching it from home and that's when I saw I was in the senior squad for the first time.
"I knew there was a possibility for me to be called up, that was why I watched the press conference.
"I knew there were some very important under-21 games so I was ready for that as well but I'm delighted to get the chance to play in the senior team.
"I know some of the guys in the team, including Martin Odegaard, Iver Fossum and Stefan Johansen, who is captain, so it will be interesting to see him again.'