Kristoffer Ajer admitted he was thrilled to be back in Scotland among old friends at the weekend.

And he’s every bit as delighted to see his old gaffer Brendan Rodgers return to Celtic. The ex-Hoops defender returned to his former Hampden stomping ground on Sunday as his Norwegian side made it a thrilling end to the Euro qualifying campaign. Ajer’s nation will be at home next summer watching the Scots but the Brentford ace is also keeping tabs on his old club.

The big stopper knows a thing or two about going back to the future – just like Rodgers. It was the Irishman who fast tracked the 6ft 5in from IK Start wonder kid into a more defensive role after he pitched up at Parkhead as a 16-year-old midfield prospect. Rodgers sent Ajer to Kilmarnock on loan with the plan of helping him find his feet at centre half- under the expert guidance of now Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

He returned to become a major part in the Rodgers success story first time around – incredibly hoovering up three Trebles on the spin during his time in Scotland. His levels soared and he eventually matured into a top class defender in the English Premier League after a bumper £14m move to Brentford.

Ajer reckons his former manager played a huge role in his success – and he’s convinced Rodgers going back for the future at Celtic will mean it will be blockbuster business as usual.

He said: “It was special to come back to Scotland. I loved my time here so it was great to be back again. It’s great to see my old manager back at Celtic as well and to see them doing so well again.

"I am really happy for them because Celtic will always be special to me.

“Brendan was amazing for me, the way he helped me, the way he spoke to me. The one-to-one conversations he had will all of the players was amazing.

“When I signed for Celtic at 16-years-old I was a central midfielder player. I think the intention was always to become a centre back eventually, but the manager spotted that very early.

“I went out on loan to Kilmarnock and that was important for me to get some game time, but he always kept in touch.

“He’s a top, top manager. I am happy to see him back and doing well. Do I expect him to be successful second time round? One hundred percent. I have no doubt he will be successful because he’s a fantastic manager.”

Ajer admitted it was a frustrating campaign for Norway as they missed out on a spot at the Finals despite having world class talents in their ranks such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.

Sunday didn’t quite go to plan either, although fellow former Celt Moi Elyounoussi’s late leveller in the 3-3 thriller at least gave the Norwegians something to celebrate.

It was a Hampden feeling Ajer was used to during his trophy-laden times at Celtic and he admitted it was sweet strolling around the old ground again.

He said: “I have fantastic memories. I was standing there listening to the national anthem and really enjoying the moment. I have best friends in Glasgow and playing against them on Sunday was special.

“I had some fantastic memories of the stadium. I remember we beat Motherwell here, that was amazing. It was my first big Cup Final. The 1-0 win over Rangers was also special. It was nice to see the guys on Sunday.”

Ajer enjoyed catching up with his old Parkhead pals Ryan Christie, Greg Taylor, Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor. And he reckons they could be in for some fun in Germany next June as Scotland have the squad that can make a real impact against the big boys.

The nation will await the draw on December 2 but Ajer is convinced Clarke’s troops should fear no one. Ajer said: “It was good to see them. Ryan and Greg were also my groomsmen at my wedding.

“It was special to see them and I wished them all the best for the summer. Are they a team that can so something at the Euros? Absolutely. They are a very strong team, who play for each other.

“They have a very nice squad so I am sure they can do well. They have a great chance. They make it tough for every team they play. You saw they beat Spain 2-0, so they can beat anyone on their day.

“It’s going to be exiting to see them there – I just wish we could be there ourselves. The game in Oslo (the last Scotland 2-1 win in June) that was the killer. We played well up to the crazy two goals. That was obviously disappointing.”

There was contrasting emotions for both nations at the end on Sunday but Ajer was at least glad to have played a part in the party atmosphere as the Tartan Army saluted their heroes.

Norway nudged ahead twice but Clarke’s battlers turned the game on it’s head until that late leveller. The result was never going to dampen the spirits in the stands though and Ajer said: “We knew it was going to be a hectic game. Both sides like to attack and there were going to be big spaces on a big pitch at Hampden. It was probably entertaining to watch.”