Johansen Hasn't Finished With Celtic

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Wanted Celtic playmaker Stefan Johansen insists he has unfinished business in Glasgow after letting the treble slip from his grasp.

The forward was named PFA Scotland's Player of the Year on Sunday night after his fellow professionals recognised his impressive first full season in Glasgow.

But after also wrapping up a Scottish Premiership and League Cup double, the 24-year-old admits he is still hurting over the Hoops' failure to complete a clean sweep following their controversial William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Inverness.

Reports have recently linked the Norway international with moves to Germany's Bundesliga.

But Johansen says he owes it to the Parkhead support to go one better next year.

He said: "The fans here are very special to play in front of. I've never experienced anything like it before.

"We played away from home in the Europa League but anywhere we went, I never saw fans like ours.

"It's an honour to have them cheering our team. They can be the difference between whether a player signs here or not. The fans are a huge part of this club.

"I don't think it's for nothing that many big players have enjoyed playing at Celtic Park. I do feel at home here. Scottish people are nice. Everywhere you go you feel welcome in the city.

"It feels like we are on the verge of something special now. When you get so close to a treble it makes you more motivated for next year. Things look very good for Celtic right now.

"I came to Celtic to win trophies. I've won the league twice and the League Cup and I've still got more ambitions to win more trophies with Celtic. All of the players and all of the fans want us to be in the Champions League next year and I've never experienced that as a football player. I'm looking forward to next season."

Sunday's award win is Johansen's third in in as many years after he was named Norway's midfielder of the year in 2013 with former club Stromsgodset, before taking the main prize 12 months later.

It is a proud achievement for a man who grew up in the small island town of Vardo in Norway's Arctic north. Now he hopes his success will put his hometown on the map.

Johansen said: "When I came to Celtic I knew it was a huge club. It's a big, big name even back in Norway.

"I enjoy playing here - it's hard not to when you are winning titles. I'm happy now and I think I can develop more.

"I won player of the year two years running in Norway.

"I come from a city where there are less than 2,000 people living there. It's important for me that even if you live in a small city like this you can do well in football.

"I hope it's a good inspiration for the kids over there. My brother Simon is also young, I hope he can use this as an inspiration."

When Johansen first arrived in Glasgow 18 months ago, he was used by former Parkhead boss Neil Lennon as a steadying influence in the heart of his midfield line-up.

But the arrival of his old Stromsgodset boss Ronny Deila last summer saw him pushed forward to a slot behind the strikers from where he could dictate play.

His compatriot's decision proved wise, with Johansen producing some sparkling displays as well as 12 goals from 53 outings.

But Johansen says the Scottish Premiership title his claimed at the weekend will always mean more than his individual prize.

"Awards are not something I aim for," he said.

"I always aim for the title for the club. For me personally it will always mean more. It's more important that we win titles with Celtic."