Last week, Celtic youngster Leo Hjelde completed his loan move to fellow Scottish Premiership side Ross County until the end of the season.
As a 17-year, it is a big step up going from reserve football a few times a month to jumping straight into first-team men’s football against some of the top teams in the country.
However, as quoted by the Press and Journal the Norwegian defender is looking to make an instant impact whilst out on loan in the Highlands and possibly try to grab a place in the first team next season.
“It was a tough experience (making his debut) against a very good team.
“We were playing against the best team in Scotland right now, and you learn from the best as well.
“I came to Ross County to get some game time, to get experience and hopefully show Celtic that I can play next season.
“I think it could be a very good spell for me. I just need to keep myself up and hopefully I can be playing.
“I came up earlier in the week but the signing didn’t go through until Friday.
“It has been good, I have enjoyed training with the lads and I’ve got a good feel for them.
“It’s a good group. They have been including me in the group and they have been very nice.
“The manager has been brilliant. He is a nice character and he knows what he’s doing. He has been preparing me very well for the move.”
Hjelde was thrown straight into the deep end making senior debut against Rangers at Ibrox. Despite it being a 5-0 loss, he was certainly the best defender across the backline and showed flashes of what he is capable of.
Of course, there are going to be comparisons with Hjelde and Kristoffer Ajer who both joined the club in similar fashion around the same age but there certainly are similarities in their play.
If he can go out and impress with the Staggies for the last few months of the season, there’s no reason he can’t be included in the side next season.
