Alistair Johnston had an afternoon to forget on Sunday when Celtic lost to Rangers.
Granted, there were few Celtic stars who earned pass marks against their rivals in what was a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Parkhead.
But by Johnston’s own standards he has set at the club since he arrived in 2023, it was a particularly bad day for the right-back.
The Canadian has never shied away from poor results or performances, though, and on international duty with his country, the defender was put on the spot following the Glasgow derby loss.
Alistair Johnston says Celtic standard is ‘taxing’
However, rather than make excuses, the 26-year-old simply used the platform he was given to talk about how much he loves playing in Scotland for Celtic where the pressure is enormous on a weekly basis.
Speaking to the Guardian he said: “That’s the pressure that you need to enjoy. That is the Celtic standard (to win every week). It is taxing mentally but it means so much when you’re at a club like that.
“I see what the club means to people. I understand that if I’m a fan of a club like this, what would I like to see from my players?
“I’m honest with my work, defensively love a tackle, love being physical. I’m a bit football mad. I love the city. [It’s] the biggest fish bowl in all of Europe. Everyone knows who you are.
You don’t know if they love you or hate you but you know they know who you are. I’m not famous outside of maybe a 30-mile radius of Glasgow city centre … but what a radius.”
What Jesse Marsch said about Johnston having it ‘too easy’ at Celtic
Johnston signaled his intention to stay at Celtic when he signed a new deal last year and fans were delighted considering the talent he has.
Transfer interest has mounted for the full-back with Johnston linked with Inter Milan as well as clubs in the Premier League and abroad.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch last month suggested Scottish football is “too easy” for the player and urged him to consider moving on to challenge himself more. The coach said: “There are some weeks when I watch Alistair and I think… the games are too easy for him. At some point, players do need to be challenged in a bigger way.”
But Johnston addressed that head on as he insisted he has no plans to depart any time soon.
“I’m in no rush to take a Scottish dog out of Scotland. That’d be its own challenge,” he said.
“I don’t take for granted what an unbelievable opportunity this club has [given me].
