Alistair Johnston Lifts the Lid on His Unexpected Celtic Bow Which Caused a “Bit of Tension”
When Alistair Johnston joined Celtic in late 2022, few could have predicted the whirlwind start he would experience. The Canadian international, known for his versatility and tough-tackling style, has since become a fixture in the Celtic defense. However, his debut for the Glasgow giants came with more drama than expected, as he recently revealed.
Johnston’s first game in the famous green and white hoops was during one of the most high-pressure fixtures in Scottish football—the Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox in January 2023. Making a debut in such a charged atmosphere would be a daunting task for even the most seasoned players, but for Johnston, it was a baptism of fire. Reflecting on that day, Johnston shared that there was some “tension” leading up to the match, both within the squad and personally, due to the sudden nature of his selection.
“I had only just arrived, and before I knew it, I was told I would be starting against Rangers,” Johnston explained in a recent interview. “It wasn’t how I pictured my debut. Of course, I wanted to play, but being thrown into a game like that added pressure I wasn’t necessarily prepared for.”
The decision to start Johnston in such a crucial match was a surprise to many, including the player himself. Celtic’s manager at the time, Ange Postecoglou, was known for his trust in players and his belief in their ability to rise to the occasion. However, starting Johnston over more experienced options for one of the biggest fixtures of the season created a “bit of tension” within the squad.
“Some of the lads had been around for longer, and naturally, there was some unease,” Johnston admitted. “They wanted to play, especially in a match as important as this. But Ange backed me, and that’s what helped me stay focused. I was determined not to let him or the team down.”
Despite the pre-match nerves and the intense atmosphere, Johnston impressed on his debut. His performance was composed and resilient, helping Celtic secure a 2-2 draw. The result extended Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and earned Johnston plaudits for his composure under immense pressure.
Looking back, Johnston believes that game was a pivotal moment in his Celtic career. “After that, I felt like I had earned the trust of my teammates and the fans. It wasn’t easy, but it pushed me to adapt quickly to the demands of playing for a club like Celtic.”
Now a key figure in the squad, Johnston has established himself as one of Celtic’s most reliable defenders. His work ethic and determination have won him the admiration of the Parkhead faithful, and his initial debut—despite the tension—served as a catalyst for his rise at the club.
Johnston’s story is a reminder that the path to success often comes with unexpected challenges. For him, being thrown into the deep end in the cauldron of an Old Firm derby became a defining moment, showcasing his mental strength and commitment to making it happen.
Read more on;https://sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply