Johansen content at Celtic

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The Norway international has been named on the four-man shortlist for the annual award alongside Celtic team-mate Virgil van Dijk, Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney and Dundee forward Greg Stewart.

Johansen is playing his first full season for the Hoops and has found the net 12 times during an impressive campaign, which has apparently drawn the attention of several clubs in England and Germany.

The 24-year-old is enjoying his football in Glasgow under former Stromsgodset boss Ronny Deila, and insists the thought of leaving has never crossed his mind.

“To be honest, I haven’t focused on that at all,” Johansen said. “There are still a lot of games to be played this season so right now I’m not thinking about that.

“Right now I’m happy at Celtic. I feel like I’m becoming a better player every day. I don’t see any reason why I should move.”

Johansen is delighted to be shortlisted by his fellow professionals, but he believes Deila has been instrumental in his success this season.

“It’s great to be nominated. It shows you have done something right,” Johansen said.

“I’m playing further forward this season and that has been important. Last year I arrived in January and had just six months to get used to the culture here and the tempo of the game.

“But this year I got a full pre-season with a gaffer I know and have been played further up the park, so that was important for me.

“Ronny was the guy who took me to Stromsgodset and helped me a lot with the things I needed to work on.

“Then I got sold here and Ronny joined soon after. He is a good gaffer who cares about the small details and that makes you a better player. That’s important.

“He’s been the most important figure in my career. He has helped me get to where I am today.

“Of course you have family and friends outside of the pitch but, on the football side, he has been an important person for me.”