Alistair Johnston has been restored to the Canada squad for the Gold Cup.
The Celtic defender was missing from the side that hammered Honduras 6-0 in the opening match in Vancouver but is back in contention for the remaining group matches against El Salvador and Curacao.
Canada look certain to qualify from their group, from 16 teams the top two in each group will go into the quarter-finals which are played next weekend on June 28 and 29 with the final on July 6.
That falls between Celtic’s first two pre-season matches, against Queens Park and Cork City which presents Brendan Rodgers with something of a problem at right-back.
Johnston played for Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final on May 24, the Gold Cup falls exactly in the middle of the close season with Celtic’s competitive season starting on August 2 and 3.
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) June 19, 2025
With Canada co-hosting next summer’s World Cup Finals with the USA and Canada the Gold Cup is the perfect preparations, building on the progress made at Qatar in 2022.
Celtic signed Johnston following the World Cup Finals, instantly he stepped in to play at right-back as Josip Joranovic was sold to Union Berlin.
Tony Ralston has proven to be a very reliable back-up option to Johnston but beyond him there is no other right-back in the first team squad.
Meant to add after the KT article about being injured on international duty…
we all know his lengthy injury record prevented him becoming a permanent fixture in the Arsenal team,
and that is why he was available on a free transfer.
I guess he could be the top earner in the team next season (?),
but there is also an accepted risk he will be out injured / rested as required.
Whilst our club is prepared to take that risk,
would it not be a sensible move for KT to retire from international football now?
He could focus solely on Celtic, and remove the possibility of being crocked long-term
whilst playing for Scotland – and perhaps in a potentially meaningless game…?
Good point Bob (original) – I was glad when Cal-Mac did for sure !
That’s the price you pay for success…Come on Anthony…
Correct Bob.
Our club is paying heavy wages, Also massive singing of fee. To play for Celtic.
Not. Playing for some horrible bigoted association. Who discarded Celtic players especially Catholic ones for Decades.. KT should not be involved anywhere near this lot.
Not bothered about him missing two friendly matches…
But still – I DETEST international football these days for sure !