KILMARNOCK assistant manager Lee McCulloch had nothing but praise for Kristoffer Ajer following the 18-year-old defender’s impressive display in Saturday’s home 3-2 Ladbrokes Premiership victory over Ross County.

The Norwegian put in a man-of-the-match performance in only his second appearance for the Rugby Park side after joining on loan from Celtic earlier this month.

“He was different class, different class,” McCulloch said. “We’ve sort of changed the way we’re looking to play with him in the team.

“To work with him every day, he’s always chapping the door to do extra, to watch videos of the games, and always asking to do extra after training as well. He’s a fantastic player to work with.”

McCulloch reckons Ajer stands a good chance of becoming a star at Celtic. “If he keeps going the way he’s going, I don’t see why not,” he said. “His attitude is different class and it’s brilliant for the young boys at this club to see that as well.

He’s given them a lift as well – he’s been brilliant.”

Jim McIntyre was left frustrated after County failed to capitalise on their lead when 2-1 in front.

The visitors controlled large parts of the first half and also had chances to win the game before Kilmarnock’s late winner from Sean Longstaff.

Killie striker Kris Boyd scored the Premiership’s fastest-ever goal after 10 seconds but County replied quickly through Christopher Routis and Alex Schalk. Gary Dicker’s second-half strike brought the teams level before Longstaff’s decider.

Manager McIntyre said: “I thought we were very good first half and that our three up front were causing them problems, with the midfield three backing them up well.

“I felt the last 10 minutes before half-time we started to get a wee bit sloppy, and we certainly continued that in the second half.”