Kristoffer Ajer in Celtic 'not challenged enough' confession as star reveals why he chose Brentford

The Norwegian centre-back joined Premier League new boys Brentford during the summer transfer window.

Kristoffer Ajer insists he retains the utmost respect for Scottish football - but feels he wasn't challenged enough in the Premiership.

The former Celtic centre-back joined Premier League new boys Brentford during the summer transfer window for a fee reportedly as high as £17million.

Ajer moved to Parkhead in 2016 and spent time on-loan with Kilmarnock before going on to become a key man in the club's quadruple Treble success.

He also took home medals in the final three Premiership title wins of Celtic's run to Nine In A Row.

But as his contract entered its final year, the Norwegian decided it was time for a new challenge and has now admitted Scotland's top flight no longer pushed him in the way he needed towards the end.

Ajer told VG : "I think it is natural when you play a little too many matches at a level that is not high enough.

"I have incredible respect for the Scottish league, there are many great teams there, but there will be a little too many matches where I am not challenged enough.

"I will definitely be in the Premier League, so I probably think the Premier League is not possible to complain about."

But despite achieving his Premier League ambition, Ajer says there's much he still needs to improve upon with the Bees.

He feels the newly-promoted side offered the best chance of continuing his development further.

He added: "I had a number of options in the transition window here that I had to consider. Brentford was the club I considered to be the one that could develop me best. I know that there are things I have to develop."