Carl Starfelt Celtic transfer pros as Hoops hero talks up perfect Kristoffer Ajer replacement

Carl Starfelt could be the perfect Celtic replacement for Kristoffer Ajer.

That’s according to Hoops hero Johan Mjallby, who’s watched the defender grow from a kid into the player he is today.

Reports in Russia claim that Starfelt has left Rubin Kazan’s training camp in order to return to Sweden before completing a £4million move to Celtic Park.

Ange Postecoglou needs to strengthen quickly ahead of key Champions League qualifiers against FC Midtjylland and and the Swedish international could arrive in time.

And Mjallby has outlined what he’d bring to the Celtic backline if the deal gets over the line.

“I knew Carl from a young age it took him a while until he found his feet, and he was good enough to play at the highest level,” he told Go Radio.

“But from Brommapojkarna he moved to Goteborg and he showed he was good enough to play in the Swedish top league, and he has been playing really, really well.

“He’s a laid back guy and he’s a good guy to have in the squad. He always gives 100 per cent.

“He’s quick and aggressive and decent on the ball. He’s from Brommapojkarna and a youth system where all players are good on the ball.

“His primary strength is he is quick, his strength and that he is a good defender.

“I think it’s a good move for him. It’s difficult to judge how good he is right now. He’s been a part of the Sweden team.

“He’s not played qualification games or at a tournament but he has a few caps to his name.

“It’s a good age to make his move and to Celtic.

“If you look at the downfall of Celtic last season they conceded from a lot of set-pieces and crosses that they shouldn’t concede.

“Ajer is going to leave and he is an out and out defender. He can pass the ball, but I think it’s important for Celtic to get guys who love to build a backbone who love to defend for the new manager.

“That would help them chase Rangers.”