Stefan Johansen is desperate for a crack at the Uefa Champions League - and believes that Celtic have it in them to make the group stages next season.

The midfielder, named SPFA Player of the Year at the weekend, has also told the Hoops support that there is much more still to come from him at Celtic.

And it is in the demanding environment of the Champions League that Johansen believes he will have the best chance of continual improvement.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move elsewhere after his performances for the club this season but he has already insisted that he sees his immediate future at Celtic with the carrot of the Champions League an enticing incentive.

"I definitely think we can qualify for the group stages of the competition," said Johansen. "I already know how difficult that is. It is the biggest challenge of our season.

"But I think we will be prepared for it this summer. It is different because the manager has had the chance to properly get to know the players.

"Over the past six months we feel as though we have improved a lot and the performances have got better. We were unlucky against Inter Milan in the knockout stages of the Europa League but I think we learned a lot of lessons in those games.

"As a kid I grew up watching the Champions League on television. It is where every player will say that they want to play football.

"It is the biggest test you can have as a player with your club. But it is not just me that wants to play in the Champions League - it is the ambition we all have because it is such a big test.

"It is a chance to play against the very best and that is where you want to be. It is great for everyone - the players, the manager, the club and the fans."

While Johansen has starred this season in the middle of the park, he will continue to strive to get to a higher level.

And he believes that the role Ronny Deila handed him at the start of the season was a huge factor in allowing him to stand out throughout this season.

"The manager told me that he wanted me to play a little differently, that I should always be thinking about being on the attack," he revealed. "He is the type of manager who gives you freedom on the ball.

"I knew him well obviously from my time in Norway and I had no doubts that he would come here and be a success. At the start of the season when things were difficult I knew he would turn it around if he was given a few months because I know what he is capable of.

"He is so passionate about football and the way he wants us to play.

"He lets you be unafraid with the ball. He wants you to be the best you can be and although he drives you very hard he also allows you to make a mistake, as long as you are prepared to learn from it.

"He is a great coach and I am delighted for him that he has had some success at Celtic.

"But he wants us to keep better and the place to do that is the Champions League. That is the next target."