NIR Bitton wants to stay at Celtic for a long time.

Ronny Deila wants to build his team around the Israeli midfielder. When a meeting is called to discuss the player's future, there will hardly be time to pour a cup of coffee before hands are shaken and contracts signed.

Bitton doesn't give much away on the pitch and up until now little off it such is the quiet nature of the 23-year-old. However, one of Celtic's best players this season, easily the most improved, was more than forthcoming when speaking about where he saw his future.

When asked about being linked with Sunderland last week, he gave a look that suggested he would rather go down the pit than head to Wearside. Indeed, why would he go anywhere else when he has everything where he already is?

Bitton said: "I don't know anything about it [the link with Sunderland]. That's not my job. My job is to help Celtic win trophies and I'm really happy here. I've been here for two seasons, my wife is happy, I'm happy; we just need to do something with the weather.

"I have two more years and if I have the option to sign a new contract, why not? We haven't spoken yet and in football you never know. But I'm really happy here and want to stay."

Now footballers do roll out this line quite a lot. One minute they are pledging their lives to a club, the next there is a previously unforeseen problem and they are off somewhere else. Bitton is a class act and could easily play in the English Premier League, but there was something about the way he spoke that convinced that he would be quite willing to prolong his stay in Glasgow.

As for his manager, Deila said: "I'm very happy with Nir. He's a great player and a great person. He's the type of guy we want to build our team around. We'll see, but everyone wants to extend. It all depends on how much money, but of course we are interested in that."

Like Michael Carrick at Manchester United, Bitton is not given as much credit as he is due because of the position he plays and the apparent simplicity of his game. Although it must be said if keeping possession and finding a team-mate with a pass is so simple, then why don't more do it?

His season is all the more remarkable given how far he seemed to be out of the picture and for so long, destined at best to be a bit-part player.

"After I had the first three months when I didn't play, the easiest thing to do would have been to give up and say I want to move," said Bitton. "I thought about it but after I spoke to the gaffer I had just one thing in my mind: I will show the gaffer I deserve to play.

"I know who I am and I have the confidence in myself. These things just make me a better player and a better person. You need a strong mentality to succeed at these times."

Deila sees Bitton and the likes of Stefan Johansen as his core, the group of players he can rely on for next season and beyond, young and still with plenty to prove. The Norwegian believes Celtic are the perfect club for this type.

"It's important to get young players who haven't done it to contrast with experienced players who have won but are still hungry," said Deila. "We're looking for a squad that is hungry with ambition for titles and to make progress.

"Also we need experience in the team and it's a good balance. I see a group of players who are in their early 20s and are going forward with a lot of energy in them. You can see that on the pitch."

The major aim next season for Celtic is, of course, to qualify for the Champions League. Deila revealed some warm-up games have been arranged - "they will be OK opponents" - and the matches will take place in Scotland, but not at Celtic Park where the pitch will still be being prepared. For the moment, no foreign trips are planned.

However, before all that, Deila's team will play Inverness Caley Thistle today and receive the Scottish Premiership trophy and the adulation of 60,000 supporters who have grown to admire, trust and really like the man.

Deila said: "I have never done that before [walking on the pitch with a trophy]. I am looking forward to the day in many ways. We have won the league, which is a big thing, and to celebrate it with the fans and to see their reaction will be great.

"For me, it is the end of something. It is so exciting to think about the future as well and what we possibly have in front of us.

"I will have a break. But I will be on the phone all the time. This is a non-stop job, so you have to do it in other environments. I don't feel very tired, I have felt far more tired before. I need to have a break and then we go again."