Larsson: Happy at Parkhead (BenRadford/Allsport)

The 29-year-old Swede, who has made a remarkable recovery from the career-threatening leg break he suffered in Lyon 13 months ago, still has three years of his present contract to run.

But Larsson is ready to hold further talks with manager Martin O'Neill about the possibility of extending his deal beyond 2003.

O'Neill has also confirmed that he would be delighted if Larsson became a Celt for life after pointing out: 'Henrik is far from being considered just part of the furnishings around here.

'He is so well thought of by everyone connected to the club that all of us would want him to commit himself to seeing out the remainder of his career at Celtic.'

Larsson says that he feels good following his horrific injury, but added that it is up to others to judge him. And he praised the way O'Neill went about reassuring him earlier in the season.

'Martin O'Neill is a good coach, with the ability to bring a lot of self-confidence back to players,' said Larsson, who believes that the team is no longer quite so reliant on him.

He also pointed to the impact Viduka has had on Leeds since his move from Parkhead to Elland Road led to the break-up of what would surely have become an outstanding partnership.

But Larsson stressed that he has no hankering to renew the partnership, adding: 'I am happy for Mark. I never had any doubts about him doing well in England. He has been great for Leeds and he will be for years to come.

'But I am happy here and my game is still developing. It is hard to predict the future and I haven't spoken with my agent so we will need to wait and see about an extension to my contract.

'But the game in general in Scotland is improving all the time. I have seen more competition develop since I came to Celtic and I believe that the SPL is a lot stronger than some people think.'

Such is the depth of O'Neill's admiration of Larsson's talents that he claimed: 'Henrik would require to suffer a massive loss of form before he was no longer first choice.

'He not only has an excellent approach to football but to life in general. He also has the plus of an adoring public of almost 60,000 people.

'I would think, too, that Henrik has an aspect of loyalty to Celtic because the club came for him when others perhaps hummed and hawed, though he has more than repaid that faith.

'It will probably be the break before we discuss anything. But if Henrik does want to commit himself, there won't be a person here who won't want that.'

O'Neill admits that the player's punishing schedule in the wake of his injury has given some cause for concern. He said: 'We wanted Henrik for the CIS Cup quarter-final against Hearts but that was one of the few chances we had to give him a rest.