Alistair Johnston had a weekend that he won’t forget in a hurry.
On Saturday he was in the Canada team that lost out on a place in the World Cup quarter-finals to Morocco.
World Cup 2026 was a long term project/dream of the Canada side. It came to an end in Houston.
After five weeks together it was time for the players and coaching staff to go their separate ways.
For Johnston after spending most of the season in the treatment room and undergoing rehab it was time for a holiday. Time to escape from the pressures of club football and expectations of his national side.
Frontier Airlines had a different idea.
Where did they send you?
— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) July 6, 2026
For anyone going on holiday arriving without your luggage is a nightmare.
Rather than checking into your accommodation and starting your holiday/vacation there is a round of calls and emails to go through.
Somewhere between departure and arrival is your clothing, toiletries and perhaps some valuables.
In Johnston’s situation arriving in the wrong city is an added complication.
JOHNSTON- WHEN WILL HE BE BACK AT CELTIC?
With Canada involved in the World Cup until July 4 it is likely that Johnston will miss all four of Celtic’s pre-season friendlies. They conclude at home to AC Milan on July 25.
At least a three week break would be recommended for someone that suffered two hamstring injuries last season, the second requiring surgery.
It might be optimistic having Johnston in mind for the SPFL opener on August 3 against Dundee.
Plus there is a strong chance that five impressive World Cup appearances has put the Celtic defender into the transfer plans of clubs from Europe’s richest leagues.
After three and a half seasons at Celtic there isn’t much more for Johnston to achieve.
Turning 28 in October his transfer value may never be higher. Something that Celtic will be as aware of as the player.
Johnston watched the shambles of last season largely from the side-lines. The self inflicted blows that almost cost Celtic the title.
With Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda expected to leave this summer the full-back might decide that things aren’t about to get any better domestically.
With his physical style of play Johnston won’t be short of options if he decides to move on from Celtic.
