Stefan Johansen believes that Celtic set their standard against Inter Milan.
Over 180 minutes they matched the Italians in almost every area but lost out on a 4-3 aggregate.
Defensive errors in the home match proved costly but the spirit of the side saw them recover from being 2-0 and 3-2 down to level with Inter.
Johansen is now hoping for another tilt at the Champions League next season after getting a taste for the big time against Inter.
“You saw against Inter we are at a better level now,” the midfielder said. “We didn’t play well in the Champions League qualifiers ?but against a quality team we showed we are at a higher level.
“That can be down to fitness, but it also takes time for the gaffer to put his stamp on the team. We are starting to see that now.
“There’s lot of fitness required but you can see it working. Do I get tired? Often! You have to be smart about it but that is one of my strengths.
“I have always put a lot of energy into the games and I just want to help the team if the gaffer wants you to do press.”
Johansen has been in top form since the winter break scoring in five consecutive domestic matches before being switched into the holding role against St Johnstone when Nir Bitton was rested.
At Tannadice on Sunday he supplied the pinpoint cross for Leigh Griffiths to head Celtic’s equaliser and has just been voted Player of the Month for February.
“It’s always good to win ?awards as it shows you are ?doing something right,” he added. But it is more important to win trophies with the team and the first chance is on Sunday. That’s what my focus is on.
“It’s probably the best form of my career though. The good thing about football is there is that you can always improve.”
