Alistair Johnston has signed a contract extension at Celtic until the summer of 2029 and has been rewarded for his excellent displays under Brendan Rodgers.
The Canada international joined from CF Montreal in 2023 and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet, registering six goals and 14 assists in 79 appearances.
Starting this campaign in electric form, Alistair Johnston has nine Celtic goal contributions to his name and his unrelenting desire down the right flank has been recognised by the club.
Providing confirmation after initial reports that Johnston was set to extend his time at Celtic, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions have announced he has signed a new deal until the summer of 2029.
With the good news now public knowledge, the charismatic full-back has opened up on why penning new terms was a straightforward decision.
Johnston: Celtic ambition made contract renewal straightforward
Speaking after signing his new Celtic deal, Johnston shared why the ‘ambition’ of his current employers made committing his future a rather easy choice to make.
He stated [Celtic FC]: “I am just delighted to extend my contract with Celtic. I got a brilliant welcome to the club in 2022 and ever since I have had the best of times, loving every minute as part of such a great institution and I wanted to continue to be part of that.
It’s an absolute honour to pull that famous jersey on every week and to have achieved so much success with my team-mates already has been so satisfying. But of course, we want more and that is our focus.
“It is a real delight to be working day in, day out in such a great set-up, working with the gaffer and the staff who have such ambition for success and with such a great group of lads in the team.
“Of course my team-mates have been everything to me – it is a brilliant dressing room I am privileged to be part of, with real quality guys beside me and I know we are all, collectively looking to work as hard as we can to bring our fans even more success over the next few years.”
Brendan Rodgers delighted with Alistair Johnston renewal
Brendan Rodgers has also given his reaction to Johnston’s contract extension, sharing his delight at being able to tie down one of his undisputed prize assets.
The Irishman added: “It is fantastic news for the club and our fans that Ali has agreed this new contract. In a relatively short period of time he has established himself as a fantastic player for Celtic, showing real quality and just delivering performance after performance for us, week in, week out.
“He has a phenomenal work ethic and attitude, brilliant hunger and positivity, such an honest love for the game and a real desire to improve in everything he does. These are the qualities which make a great player and he has certainly been that for Celtic.
“Everyone at the club felt it crucial that we extend Ali’s contract with Celtic and I am delighted that we have been able to do this.”
It goes without saying, but Celtic being able to tie Johnston down is a real statement of intent. You can’t put a price on security in football, which the Bhoys now have concerning their Canadian full-back.
With his future now safe, hopefully, the fan favourite can build on his flying start to the campaign as the Hoops look to cement their credentials over the coming months.
