Alistair Johnston isn’t just a key player for Celtic, but one of the most popular players with the supporters.
As mentioned many times before, the Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic was one of joy and so much success.
From the all-action style of play, the trophies galore and also the club’s recruitment, which is still showing its worth today under Brendan Rodgers.
Johnston was one of the players signed under Postecoglou and he has gone on to become a regular starter at right-back.
The 26-year-old moved to Glasgow from MLS side CF Montreal in 2022 and he hadn’t won a single trophy in his career before stepping foot into Parkhead.
Yet, fast forward to the present, and Johnston has five trophies to his name in Celtic colours, including winning the double upon Rodgers’ return last season.
This season, Celtic have gone one better and they are unbeaten in the Premiership, sitting top of the table and going strong in the Champions League.
It didn’t take Johnston too long to understand the sheer size of Celtic and he bigged up the club whilst on national duty.
Alistair Johnston talks up the size of Celtic worldwide
You’d rather come last if you don’t finish first at Celtic. It’s as simple as that, even if you had won all the trophies possible the season before.
That’s why Celtic are the biggest club in Scotland and a heavyweight in Europe.
Johnston told Canadian broadcaster OneSoccer that there are ‘lofty expectations’ at the club and they are a ‘massive brand’ across the world, as well as how they are ‘one of the most famous’.
We have lofty expectations at Celtic, you know as well as everyone, it’s a massive brand, it’s a worldwide brand,” said Johnston.
“To be able to do that on the European stage, especially with the past couple of results we have had, we have put ourselves in a really good position with this new Champions League format.
Johnston on wearing the Celtic armband
When Callum McGregor was sidelined for Celtic’s win at Motherwell in October, Johnston was handed the armband and he celebrated it in the best possible way.
Previously, he had only four goals to his name in the green and white colours, then he proceeded to score at Fir Park and the following week against Dundee.
There isn’t a better character in that Celtic dressing room who deserved to don that armband and Johnston proved with his words how much he understands about it.
One thing is for sure, the way he talks, he will lead Celtic out a lot more in the future.
“I have been lucky enough to wear the armband now,” shared Johnston. “I think it was one of those ones where it wasn’t lost on me how big of an opportunity that was and what an honour that is.
“This is one of the most famous football clubs and historic football clubs in the world. I can’t imagine that there are a ton of captains that have come from anywhere other than Scotland and Ireland.
“So, to think a Canadian-born fullback wearing the armband, even if it was for a one-off match, it was a pretty special experience. It made my family proud. Made a lot of people back home proud and it’s something I will definitely cherish.
