STEFAN JOHANSEN today urged Ronny Deila to make him his diamond geezer and allow the midfielder to smash through the 60-game barrier.

With just three games left of the season, the Norwegian has already racked up a staggering 58 appearances in the green and white hoops.

Playing across friendlies, the SPFL Premiership, League Cup, Scottish Cup, Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League has brought Johansen tantalisingly close to the landmark figure.

And with the league title already wrapped up and international football on the horizon for Johansen next month, the PFA Player of the Year has called on his gaffer to not rest him and keep him in his plans for the remaining games against Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Inverness.

He said: "As a player you always want to play games. We only have three games left and I always want to be prepared for the national team as well. I feel I need games or training to be ready, rather than just running. I would like to play.

"But obviously we have won the league and I have played a lot of games so if the gaffer wants to give someone else a chance or see other players in action I will totally understand that."

The attitude of Johansen will be unsurprising to the thousands who have witnessed his commitment to the Celtic cause since his arrival last season, but particularly operating under Deila in the last few months.

His will to absorb every minute of every game was evident in last Friday night's 5-0 rout over Dundee where he was substituted after 65 minutes with his team already 2-0 up as he made his feelings clear over his removal.

"Of course I wasn't happy to come off against Dundee," said Johansen.

"We were leading 2-0 and you always sense a few more goals, but it wasn't a problem for me. Sometimes you get subbed and other times you play 90 minutes.

"For me, players should always be a bit disappointed to come off, but Jamesie [Forrest] came on and scored a great goal and I was happy for him."

Reflecting on the announcement that he was voted Scotland's top player this season, Johansen admits it is a humbling experience.

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

"Awards are not something I aim for," said the Norwegian, who won the award in his homeland before joining Celtic.

"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.

"But I'm very proud of the award. This is my first full season at Celtic and to win this I'm very grateful.

"You can see the quality players we have at Celtic and also the other players in the league.

"There are a lot of good players there. To get this prize means a lot to me.

"I voted for Dundee's Greg Stewart. I think he has had a great season. He's good with the ball, scores goals and deserves it."