Celtic at Ibrox – “That physical battle is something I enjoy,” Alistair Johnston

Alistair Johnston would have no problem at all with Ange Postecoglou giving him a baptism of fire on Monday at Ibrox with a Glasgow Derby debut against theRangers at Ibrox. In fact that kind of contest is exactly the kind of match that the Canada International World Cup star relishes as he looks to begin his Celtic career as soon as possible.

He’s registered to play for Celtic alongside the two other early signings from the J-League – Yuki Kobayashi and new Bhoy Tomoki Iwata – and in theory at least, all three are available for selection for the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox on Monday 2 January.

Johnston though might have to wait for his debut as Ange Postecoglou considers his rapidly improving options for the right-back spot in his starting eleven to take on theRangers.

Anthony Ralston’s fitness is just about there and he should be available for selection after his ankle knock against Livingston forced him to go off and also to miss the wins over St Johnstone at Celtic Park and Hibs at Easter Road.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 21: Anthony Ralston of Celtic receives medical treatment during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Livingston FC at on December 21, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

An absolutely buzzing Josip Juranovic was on the bench at Easter Road with the World Cup bronze medalist still on a high after the events in Qatar at the World Cup. Fitness is not an issue and the Croatian could be the manager’s choice for Monday’s right-back role.

Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at on December 24, 2022(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

And Reo Hatate, who has impressed at right back in the two matches against St Johnstone and Hibs is also an option, but it is more likely he’ll revert back to his usual midfield role.

That leaves Ally Johnston as the wildcard option for Ange Postecoglou to ponder and the Celtic manager has had plenty of opportunity to watch the former Montreal full-back in training over the past few weeks, both in Portugal at the club’s winter training camp in the Algarve and at Lennoxtown.

If he’s given the nod Johnston will be ready and he’s certainly eager to play.

“It’s definitely the kind of game I get up for even more. You could say that for the whole city — obviously, (the)Rangers v Celtic is a match known around the world.

“At the same time we completely understand if you win that, it’s still three points. But there is, of course, added significance, and we understand that.

“It’s a great game for a player like me. That physical battle is something I enjoy a lot and it really gets me up for a match,” Ally Johnston told Celtic TV.

It’s probably more likely that Ange will play Juranovic or perhaps Tony Ralston with Ally Johnston sitting this one out. He’ll still get the chance to see what it’s all about watching from the sidelines.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

Comments are closed.