Up until the World Cup Finals few Celtic fans had heard of Alistair Johnston.
Some North American fans would be aware of Victor Wanyama’s Montreal team-mate but with Josip Juranovic and Tony Ralston at the club a new right-back wasn’t much of a transfer priority.
As the World Cup got underway there seemed a degree of certainty linking Johnston with Celtic as Croatia and Juranovic drove deep into the competition.
On January 2 at Ibrox Celtic had a new right-back in the Glasgow derby, a skinny looking guy with a background in ice-hockey and John Lundstram discovered.
Alistair Johnston tossing Rangers aside. Things you love to see pic.twitter.com/DnVs8yOFQd
— JJ. (@Celticway188) February 27, 2023
If there was one criticism of Juranovic it was his lack of physicality, he more than made up for that with pace and his ability to push forward but no one will raise that issue with his successor.
In less than two months Johnston has looked the real deal. He talks brilliantly and backs that up on the pitch- with some challenges that his old mate Victor would certainly approve of.
Must say he has impressed since day 1.
Looks solid and doesn’t get flustered.
Agreed Bob. Has the looks about him that he’s just Mr consistent, a solid 7 every week at least. No frills just does his job and for me he’s an improvement on Juranovic. Not a dig of any kind just my personal opinion.
Heard he played ice hockey in Canada ?? hard game,if there’s trouble he wants some of it not to be messed with.oh and he’s a good ? footballer.
Recruiting side having found a Gem in Mr Johnson.