Leo Hjelde left Rosenborg BK for Celtic in 2019 and was initially included in the Scottish club’s academy.
The 17-year-old is yet to represent the Hoops’ first team, but he has experienced the top division in the country with Ross County this year.
Celtic allowed the defender to join Ross County on loan in the winter market and he has made eight league appearances in the second half of the season.
Ross County manager John Hughes is impressed with the Norway U17 international and has backed him to become the next Virgil van Dijk.
The teenager’s father, Jon Olav Hjelde, who in the past represented Nottingham Forest, is flattered with Hughes’ latest comments.
“It is flattering only to be mentioned in the same sentence as him [Van Dijk], but it must be motivating. He wants to go a long way. Now he has to keep his feet on the ground and keep working,” Hjelde Sr told Norway’s TV2.
Jon Olav also provided an insight into how the Celtic owned player has developed in recent times.
“He has had a good development this year, and has taken steps especially on the defensive side since he came to Ross County. He has looked good, even with the lockdown and the whole package, where he is in the room 20 hours a day,” the centre-back’s father explained.
“Sportingly, it has been like the yolk in the egg, but it is tough to be alone and not have the opportunity to do anything outside of training. He will not have big social life, but if he does well through this, he will manage most things afterwards.”
Hughes admitted Leeds United wanted Leo Hjelde before he arrived at Ross County. Jon Olav Hjelde said he’s not surprised by the interest his son has received from other clubs.
The youngster’s father also provided an update on his son’s future, with his contract at Celtic expiring in 2022.
“There have been several clubs on the pitch over a long period of time. I don’t know how specific it was, but there will be a bit of interest when you play in a top league at the age of 17,” Jon Olav Hjelde stressed.
“It’s going to be exciting with Celtic. We don’t know who’s coming in as the new manager. He must be in good shape after the summer break and impress the new manager who probably hasn’t seen him before. If he can play for Celtic when he is 17-18, he is very strong.”
