Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston signed for Celtic in December 2022 on a five-year deal from MLS side, CF Montreal.
The Canadian internationalist who has predominantly played on the right side of defence across his career, either at centre-back or right-back, was an integral part of the Canadian national team during their run to the semi-final at the 2024 Copa America.
Arriving at Celtic Park, the defender quickly demonstrated his technical ability and desire to get forward. His competitive nature quickly endeared him to the Celtic support as he readily embraced the physical aspects of the Scottish game.
Johnston immediately impressed for the Hoops after being thrown in at the deep end with a Glasgow derby debut. The remainder of the season was of a similar ilk, with 20 appearances and three trophy wins to show for it as the club secured an eighth domestic treble.
His first six months at the club saw him become a permanent fixture at right-back after making his debut in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox on January 2, 2023. Remarkably, he would go on to become a Treble winner that same season as the Hoops swept all before them, lifting the cinch Premiership trophy, League Cup and Scottish Cup with Johnston featuring in both finals.
In all he played 20 times for Celtic during the 2022/23 season, and in helping the team secure a historic eighth treble, he effectively picked up a winner’s medal every 6.67 games.
His first goal for the club came in a March 5-1 win against St Mirren, with the header being the second goal for the Hoops after the Paisley side had taken an early lead.
In the 2023/24 season, the right back was once again ever present with over 40 appearances, including starting in all six Champions League matches and notching seven assists, helping the club to a League and Scottish Cup double.
COUNTRY BHOY
Alistair Johnston made his debut for Canada on March 25, 2021 against Bermuda and scored his first goal for his country in the following match against the Cayman Islands.
The right back played in all of Canada’s matches in the FIFA 2022 World Cup where they faced eventual semi-finalists Morocco and Croatia as well as Belgium and played every minute of Canada’s 2024 Copa America run where he picked up the Man of the Match award in the Quarter Final against Venezuela.
