Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko wants to play in Champions League

Erik Sviatchenko is targeting Champions League football for Celtic next season where he could face Denmark team-mate Kasper Schmeichel.

The 24-year-old defender texted his congratulations to the Leicester keeper after the Foxes' astonishing first Barclays Premier League title win - and automatic entry into European football's elite club competition - was confirmed with chasing Tottenham's 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Monday night.

Celtic effectively secured their fifth Premiership and a place in the Champions League qualifiers with a 3-1 win at Hearts last Saturday although confirmation can come at home to second-place Aberdeen on Sunday.

The former FC Midtjylland player, who joined the Parkhead club in January, said: "I want to be in the Champions League, that's why I came here.

"We have one goal and that is to go through and we will do everything we can to flourish and go through.

"It would mean a lot. I have played in the Europa League group stages with my former team and that was a big experience for me.

"You feel you are developing your skills because you are on a really high level so it would be great for all the players to play in the Champions League, the highest level you can play at.

"Kasper Schmeichel would probably be playing, I think he will be staying there now and they are playing in the Champions League.

"I texted him and congratulated him and obviously he is a happy guy.

"Leicester have done great in the Premier League, done something that people wouldn't imagine they could do and if we faced them it would be a nice game."

Sviatchenko was at Celtic Park where he was modelling the new home kit for next season along with skipper Scott Brown, Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor.

The Dane has become a fans' favourite in his short time at the club and revealed his dance moves in front of celebrating Hoops supporters at Tynecastle last week were down to "pure joy."

He promised to entertain the fans again when the title is officially won, probably against their closest rivals who have drifted nine points and 35 goals behind with three games remaining.

"I will try to figure something out or it will be just how I feel that day," said Sviatchenko.

"It is a good story that we will be facing them (Aberdeen) at the weekend.

"It is a very important that we can enjoy a victory together, and sing and cheer all together.

"It is our job to give them the performance and we will do our best to have a really good game."