Celtic star Stephen Welsh believes his teammate Kristoffer Ajer can play at the very top level.

The Norway center half is being linked with a move away from the Scottish giants, as he only has a year remaining on his contract.

The 23-year-old recently suggested he could be open to a move, with Newcastle United, Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen linked to his signature by outlets around Europe.

"Kris has been fantastic for the last four or five years - he's been so good, especially when I came into the team," said Welsh, per the Daily Mail.

'He has really helped me so much. Whatever happens, happens. But he's a fantastic player and I'm sure he can play at the top level.

"Will he be hard to replace? You can say that about every player that goes from Celtic. We will find a way. He's still a Celtic player, so I think we'll be all right.

"Working together as a partnership, I thought we fitted in well together. He has done well. He's a great character for the team day in, day out.

"He's a bubbly guy. First and foremost, he's a brilliant player and a good leader for the team."