STEFAN JOHANSEN believes Celtic will have an EASIER season next year as they go for five-in-a-row.

Fresh from lifting the SPFL Premiership trophy at the weekend, the Hoops have already turned their attention to the start of the new campaign which will see them go through Champions League qualifying as well as defend their domestic crown.

On top of this, the Parkhead club could be reunited with Rangers if they see off Motherwell in the Premiership play-off final.

Despite those challenges, however, Johansen is confident success can be secured again next campaign.

He said: "Now we know we have work to do in the holidays. We need to rest, but we have to prepare our heads for some very important games coming up.

"It'll be a bit easier next season, however. Everyone knows what the gaffer wants and everybody is into the system and we want to play so hopefully we'll keep it up."

Named earlier this month as PFA Scotland Player of the Year, Norwegian Johansen has enjoyed arguably his finest campaign yet.

Having racked up 56 competitive games in green and white and scored 13 goals, the former Stromsgodset man has become a firm favourite with the Hoops support. It is something he holds dear in a season filled with highlights.

"The supporters have really taken me on board, not only this season but last season too," Johansen told the official Celtic website.

"I came here and felt welcome from day one and I'm very grateful for that.

"Everywhere I go I meet Celtic fans and they're always nice to you. That's an important thing and I really like it here."

He added: "To play against Rangers in the League Cup semi-final was fantastic because I'd heard so much about the game, so it was amazing to get to the final after that. The game against Inter Milan at home was amazing as well."

Meanwhile, it has been announced Celtic will play Spanish side SD Eibar on Saturday, July 18.

The game will mark the 75th anniversary of the Basque Country club, who were relegated from La Liga at the weekend despite having the same points and better goal difference than the two teams immediately above them.