Ledley not ready to relax

Joe Ledley: Wants to play in as manay games as possible

Joe Ledley has no intention of starting his summer holidays early, with it his desire to remain in the Celtic side until the end of the season.

With the Scottish Premier League title safely wrapped up, the Hoops have taken the opportunity to rest key men.

Neil Lennon made seven changes to his side for a 1-0 win over St Johnstone on Thursday, with regulars such as Scott Brown, Georgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew left in the stand.

Ledley claims he was offered the chance to join them, but says he has no intention of putting his feet up until the 2011/12 fixture list has been completed.

"The gaffer called me in the other day but I said that I wanted to play," the 25-year-old said.

Opportunity

"It's great to have the opportunity to go out there and play football, it's what we get paid to do and that's what we want to do.

"I thought we did well and on another day we might have got more goals. The gaffer changed it a bit to give some of the boys an opportunity to show what they can do.

"He was happy after the game and I think the boys who came in should be happy as well."

While wanting to see the season out to a conclusion, Ledley admits he has one eye on next season's UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Celtic have two qualifiers in the champions route and the former Cardiff player believes this season's Europa League experience, where they finished third in their group behind Atletico Madrid and Udinese, will stand them in good stead.

Gelled

"That's the main step you want to take as players, playing in the Champions League," said Ledley.

"It is going to be difficult without a doubt but we have more experience from this year. We did well in the Europa League and next season hopefully we can do it (qualify for the Champions League).

"The team has gelled well this season and we just need to take it into next season.

"We are on a great run and everyone is playing brilliantly at the moment.

"So as long as we can continue our form from this season to next season, then hopefully we can qualify."