Celtic's Scandinavian scout Oyvind Christoffer Johansen has emphasised the importance of unearthing gems that the Bhoys can at a later date sell on, while explaining his dream is to identify stars that can help the Scottish giants in the Champions League.

Johansen sprung to prominence when he unearthed Morten Gamst Pederson, sending his report to a number of English clubs, including Blackburn Rovers.




He now works hard identifying Scandinavian players for Celtic, watching matches both live and on video, around three to four games per day, and is in no doubt as to the importance of his work given Celtic are often rivalled by wealthy English clubs for potential signings.

"There will certainly be some younger players that the team can develop further and sell abroad", he told Aftenposten.
 


"I have to identify players at an early enough stage that Celtic can sign them. England is such a big country and a major competitor for us", he continued.

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"There are clubs at the upper level with completely different economic assumptions with regards to the television agreement that provides each club with £100m each year, while Celtic are left with £2.5m."

Johansen is not put off by the size of the task however and is hoping to uncover players that can firstly help Celtic remain Scottish champions year in, year out, and secondly help the Hoops reach the Champions League group stage.

"I get a good feeling when players I've discovered perform", the scout admitted.

"The long term goal of the club is to win the league in Scotland, but the big goal is to be a contributor to Celtic in the Champions League."

Celtic recently had a youngster over from Norway on trial, with IK Start talent Kristoffer Ajer spending time at the Scottish champions. Johansen has written a number of reports on Ajer for Celtic.