Alistair Johnston’s Canada call-up with a chance to make history

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston has been called up for Canada as they aim to achieve a historic milestone this month…

Jesse Marsch announced his 23-man squad for the March international break earlier today, featuring Alistair Johnston alongside standout players like Alphonso Davies – Celtic’s Champions League nemesis – and Lille’s Jonathan David.

Canada has the chance to make history

Canada has the chance to make history in the upcoming international break as they face Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League A Championship semi-final on 21 March.

A win next week would see Marsch’s side advance to the final on Monday 24 March, where they would face either Panama or Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty’s USA. Canada has yet to ever claim the title in the Nations League format.

Johnston has already won over 50 caps

With over 50 appearances for his country, Johnston is a well-regarded and an integral member of the squad.

The 26-year-old is equally respected at Celtic and demonstrated his commitment to the club by signing a long-term contract in November last year, keeping him at the Hoops until 2029.

‘He’s a very confident and strong player’

Hibernian winger Junior Hoilett, a fellow Canadian international, recently spoke about Johnston’s career with the national team, offering him high praise. Speaking with the Scotsman, Hoilett said: “I always knew he would be good.

Alistair Johnston of Canada during the Copa America 2024 match between Canada and Chile on June 29, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

“He’s a very confident and strong player. To see how well he’s done over here to gel so quickly and play for a top team and play in the top leagues, the Champions League, is great for Canada. I’m happy for him. He’s my rival this weekend so I can’t keep boosting him up! He’s done major, and he’s done big stuff for Canada, so to keep that going for him is good for the sport of Canada.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scoring during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

As you know Junior Hoilett came out on the wrong side of the Scottish Cup quarter-final scoreline with Alistair Johnston and his Celtic teammates taking the spot in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory. Celtic will play St Johnstone at Hampden and Hearts take on Aberdeen in the other semi-final.

Conor Spence