Signed by Celtic in January 2022 by Ange Postecoglou, Alistair Johnston has an almost immediate impact on the success of the team.
Within four short months, he was part of a Celtic team that created history as he bagged a treble, the Parkhead club’s eighth in their history, as he cemented his place in the hearts of the Hoops fans.
Taking over from the popular Josip Juranovic, Johnston looked like he had been at the club for years. His aggression and combativeness made Johnston an instant Parkhead favourite with the Celtic support but not so much for his opponents.
Theo Bair says Alistair Johnston is ‘an absolute monster’
Motherwell striker, Theo Bair was talking about his international teammate as the two represent Canada in the Copa America.
And whilst he loves having the Celtic fullback as a teammate on the international stage, it’s quite a different story when he faces him in the SPFL.
Biar said [The Athletic], “He is an absolute monster on the pitch.
“I’ve seen him clash with a bunch of guys. I’ve had guys come in at half-time and say to me, ‘That Johnston is a menace. He’s kneed me in the butt, he’s elbowed me in the neck’.
“He’s relentless and is a lot better on the ball than people think.”
Johnston was been integral to this successful Celtic team and continues to do so under Brendan Rodgers.
Admittedly, he had a tentative season compared to how he performed under Postecoglou but towards the end of the last campaign, he found some good form to help seal a league and Scottish Cup double.
And now, heading into next season, I have no doubt that Johnston will continue to be an ever-present in Rodgers’ team as the Celtic boss looks to negotiate the Champions League group stages and defend his double.