Alistair Johnston: A Future Celtic Captain?
In January 2023, Alistair Johnston joined Celtic putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. Since his arrival in Glasgow, he’s had quite the success story winning six trophies, along with one treble. Before making the switch to Scotland, the Canadian had never played his football elsewhere other than North America playing for Vaughan Azzurri, Nashville SC, and CF Montréal.
It’s well documented when a player joins one of the Old Firm it’s a huge culture shock due to how big both clubs are and the high-pressure expectations that come with it. However, Johnston settled in right away and quickly became a fan favourite by helping his team complete a domestic treble after only being at the club six months. The right-back is currently having the season of his life with impressive defensive and attacking displays contributing four goals with 11 assists in 45 appearances for Celtic, who find themselves on track for yet another domestic treble under Brendan Rodgers.
Johnston was rewarded for his excellent form as he signed a new five-year deal in November, keeping him at the club until 2029. As the Canadian extended his stay at Parkhead, earlier this season he was asked if he could see himself as a future captain: “We’ve got a great leader in Cal [Callum McGregor], thankfully, and he might still have longer than me on his contract now even after I’ve signed my new deal, but he’ll be here forever. So, no, I’m not really too focused on that kind of stuff.”
The Celts’ vice-captain is Cameron Carter-Vickers with Johnston being third in line and has worn the armband occasionally this season. GGFN Football Writer and Celtic fan Jacob Toland told Breaking The Lines that the Canadian international has all the traits to be a captain: “You can see ever since he arrived that he understood what was needed to be a Celtic player. He has all the hallmarks of a future captain and can take charge on the pitch.
“He has strong defensive capabilities but can also be pushed further up the field to be more attacking. He’s one of our most consistent players and is by far the best right back in the league.”
Johnston is loving life at Celtic Park, and it doesn’t appear he will be leaving the club anytime soon. The future does look bright for the full-back, who looks set to play a pivotal role for Canada in the biggest sporting event on the globe next year and compete in his second World Cup. But before that, he’ll be looking to add more silverware to what has been a trophy-laden chapter in Glasgow.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Craig Foy – SNS Group