The Hoops move across the city with a big 14-point lead and significant pressure being heaped on Gers boss Philippe Clement.
According to Alistair Johnston, Celtic are focused on winning at Ibrox as the Premiership championship is not yet secured.
The Hoops star does not feel Four-in-a-Row is already a guarantee, despite the champions’ 14-point lead over Rangers after only 18 games.Johnston told the Light Blues that they will not back down and will continue to dominate the competition. Celtic will not have any fans inside the stadium again, but the defender stated, “For us, winning every match is always the priority.”It’s still almost January, and I think it’s too early to look at a league table.
“Regardless of the point disparity, as long as we focus on ourselves, we feel very certain that we can handle business. It’s a good indicator that we’ve built a lead. However, we faced a similar circumstance last year and battled a little during this winter season.
“Leads can soon disappear. However, our leadership ensures that we never lose sight of what it means to be a Celtic player.
“When you focus on doing the little things correctly every day and vying for positions in training, it works really well and keeps you from getting caught up in things.
“It’s another opportunity to go there and maybe get a result against our main competitors, and we’ll see how it goes. “It should be a fantastic match.”
Celtic had an amazing 2024, losing only twice in 50 matches in Scotland and the Champions League. Johnston is determined to keep up the impressive festive effort and start the New Year off on a high note.
He stated, “That would be an excellent start to 2025. We’re just taking it game by game, and this is the next one – and everyone’s excited about it. The game the other day (a 4-0 victory against St Johnstone) was ideal, with a little bit of rotation, everyone feeling fresh and contributing, and everyone performing at their best.
“When you look at the schedule, there is no January break this year, which is very difficult, but the squad understands that the manager will need everyone. So far, we’ve seen guys step up to the plate, which bodes well for us throughout the month and the rest of the season.”
Johnston has yet to taste loss in 11 Old Firm games, nine of which have been victories, and he knows what to expect at Ibrox with no travelling supporters. However, the fullback hopes that this is the last time away fans are barred from attending.
Johnston stated: “Hopefully. I suppose the cops are praying this isn’t the final one! When I was thrown into that one two years ago, there must have been 750 fans inside. When we finally reached an agreement, you could tell how much it meant to them.
“Football is about the fans.” Without away support, it’s not the same at home as it is away. I believe everyone wants it back in this match.
“Hopefully, the authorities can resolve it because it greatly enhances the mood and game. It’s a match that is broadcast all around the world. It detracts from the experience when there is no away support.”
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