Alistair Johnson has spoken publicly whilst on international duty about his formidable partnership with teammate Nicolas Kuhn…
Johnston set for lucrative new Celtic deal
For club and country, the 26 year-old right back has had a stunning start to the season. According to reports, Johnston’s reward for quality performances on the pitch for Celtic will be a lucrative contract extension that will see him become of the Hoops’ highest earners.
Having made 17 appearances for Celtic so far this campaign, Johnston has been amongst the goals as well. Striking four times in the league, the Canadian also has five assists to his name. Racking up the goal contributions, AJ has become a reliable figure for Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic boss quite clearly sees him as a leader within the dressing room with Johnston taking the armband on a few occasions following skipper Callum McGregor’s absences.
AJ’s partnership with Nicolas Kuhn
Building up a striking partnership with German winger Nicolas Kuhn down Celtic’s right-hand side has been a significant factor to the Hoops’ success both domestically and in the Champions League. Kuhn’s remarkable 21 goal contributions have partly been down to the relationship between him and Johnston. It was the two that combined for Celtic’s second at Rugby Park more than a week ago exemplifying the intelligent relationship both have on the pitch.
For country, Alistair Johnston hit a landmark achievement on Friday evening. Johnston hit cap number 50 as Canada defeated Suriname 1-0 in their CONCACAF quarter-final first-leg. Celtic’s consistent fullback has become a stalwart for his home nation, which will undoubtedly mean he will be attracting keen admirers all across Europe.
Great form
Speaking to OneSoccer, Alistair Johnston described that Celtic hero Nicolas Kuhn is in “great form,” adding, the duo are building “a really good partnership.”
Johnston said, “for me, the biggest thing is, how can I contribute defensively. Remain a really solid defender one-v-one. Attach the backline and remain a really solid unit. But then, with my physicality. Underlaps and overlaps. Nick Kuhn has been in great form for me and in front of me. Just supporting him and getting into dangerous positions.”
AJ continued: “So far this year we have had a really good partnership there. It has been doing well, both domestically and on the European front. Happy with that.”
Celtic’s right-back is in action on Wednesday night as Canada take on Suriname in Toronto for the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final second leg. Johnston will then return to Lennoxtown as Celtic prepare for a potentially tough away trip to Tynecastle on Saturday evening.
Conor Spence
Matt Corr’s wonderful new books, Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both out now on Celtic Star Books and you can order a signed copies by clicking on the links below…