Johansen: Future is bright under Deila

Stefan Johansen was voted man of the match in yesterday's League Cup final but was quick to heap praise on manager Ronny Deila.

Having spent three years under Deila's charge with Stromsgodset - helping the unfancied club to their first league title in 43 years - he knew all about his managerial ethos.

Now the message has finally sunk in with the Celtic squad, Johansen insists they will only get stronger.

"We want to win the treble this year and this was the first opportunity to get a trophy,'' said the 24-year-old.

"We don't feel any extra pressure to win all three competitions. Anybody can talk but I feel confident that we can beat anybody.

"I'm pleased for the manager. It was a tough start for him.

He came here as a unknown Norwegian but I spent three years with him in Norway and knew he could succeed at Celtic.

"Celtic have a bright future with him as the gaffer.

"The fans were asking questions at the beginning but he handled it well and the players are confident in the way he wants to work.

"I don't think anyone needs to apologise for writing him off. Football is an emotional game. If you lose once then everything is wrong.

"The most important thing is that the club and the players believed in what the gaffer was doing. I always said it would take time but we are starting to see what he wants now.

"We didn't do well in Europe at the beginning but now we have shown we are at the level of Inter Milan, so we are developing great.

"I think this is the launchpad for something special.''