Alistair Johnston

As the Celts prepare for a trip to Tynecastle on Saturday night, Alistair Johnston is strolling in to the weekend with an added swagger as it was announced today that the full-back’s contract at the club has been extended until 2029.

The Canadian internationalist was an instant hit when he joined in January 2023, helping the Hoops to a record-breaking eighth domestic treble straight off the bat. He followed that achievement up with a brilliant league and Scottish Cup double last season to round off a brilliant 18 months in the green and white.

And with today’s announcement that Johnston’s long-term future is committed to the Celts, things are continuing in an upwards trajectory for the Canadian.

Speaking to the media today ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Edinburgh, Johnston spoke of his delight at putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Hoops.

“I was ecstatic when the club brought up the idea of extending my contract,” he said. “It was something I hadn’t been thinking about too much because I still had over three years left on my deal, so I focused on my football, helping the team win and performing at my best.

“It obviously shows that the club value me and they believe I’m an important part of this team.

‘In terms of reasons to sign, for me, it was simple. Playing for this club is special.’

“Walking out and playing in front of 60,000, some of the atmospheres in matches that I’ve been a part of in my two years here have been unbelievable.

“I’m entering the prime years, some would say, of a footballer’s career, so it’s exactly where I want to be to have my prime years, continue to grow and see what I can become


With the international break now over, the Celts are about to embark on a mammoth run of fixtures which extends in to the New Year.

Speaking about the upcoming busy schedule, Johnston said that in order to be successful throughout that period, routine and recovery will be pivotal as Brendan Rodgers’ men pursue yet more success.

He added: “It’s definitely an ultra-marathon, but we have a squad that is deep enough and built with this in mind.

“The whole plan is that when you play for this club, you’re going to be competing on all fronts whether that’s in Europe or domestically.

“Every single tournament we enter domestically, we’re expected to win and we’re expected to go far in Europe.

“It’s all about getting in to the rhythm of play, recover, play, recover. It’s nice that there isn’t an international window for a couple of months and that will really get us in to a rhythm of being here.

“This is a great opportunity to get in to the rhythm and go strong throughout this Christmas period.”

 

Still remember his face when we drew and the crowd wasn't happy .

Get it now.

 

We won !

Was Ross County earlier in the year

 

love the guy

 

I hope that’s not AJ’s mrs. Looks a * of a lot like him

 

Thoroughly deserved. Great to have him tied down here.

 

One of my fave players. Deserved this and was so nice to hear him speak to highly about the club and what it means. I know hes no going to say its * but its always great to hear when someone comes over from abroad to get what Celtic is all about and appreciates how lucky he is.

 

Brilliant news.

 

I love how pro-active we’ve been with our contracts for key players since Nicholson became CEO. Was always a real sore point for me under Lawwell.

 

I've liked the comment but do you think Lawwell was holding back or reluctant to make deals?
I think the structure since Ange, has been better in general, not sure what or how this has changed. Just curious to how you see what MN does different, if it is even that change is what you see is better

 

Lawwell usually tried to get them to take a wage cut

 

Is that true or just an assumption? Not trying to be a lawwell fan boy, just not something I am aware of

 

He gambled on it more I think, would wait later to raise the wage bill and potentially need to raise other players wages. And usually if it was a player he was sure was desperate to stay and tie up he would wait too late. Sometimes they did stay, other times the offer was too late.

 

Can't say I'd disagree or agree. Hard to know the insides of football business but that said its Lawwell so could beleive he holds back