As we’ve noted many times, the Celtic fan media questions put to Ange Postecoglou at his media conferences seem to interest the manager more than those from the hacks and he is more often than not prepared to give a fair and square answer to the question that has been put to him.
Yesterday the Celtic manager was asked but recent signing Alistair Johnston and if he was confident that the Canadian international right back would be going right into the first team and making as big an impact as he has this season.
“It’s not an exact science but when bringing guys into the club, I wouldn’t bring them in if I didn’t believe they could make an impact and help us and improve us as a team,” the Celtic manager replied
“Every time we bring a player to the club it’s about trying to get us to be stronger and better so that’s that’s the intent. Like I said, it doesn’t always work out but I think with Alistair and probably Tomoki (Iwata) as well they’re fairly mature guys.
Tomoki Iwata, Alistair Johnston and Ange Postecoglou celebrate the victory after the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on March 08, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“I know this is their first foray into European football but they’re both sort of mid-20s. Alistair’s 24 now but he’s played international football so my reckoning was he could come in and make an impact immediately and we needed him to because we kinda knew Josip was moving on.
“We didn’t know that Anthony (Ralston) would get an injury that would keep him out for some key games. Having him stepping in and doing so well has been pleasing.”
Johnston’s impact can best be described by the Man of the Match Award given to him last weekend. in the 3-2 win over theRangers at Celtic Park. Supporters voted for Johnston ahead of Kyogo who scored two brilliant goals and also Jota who got the winner to add to an assist for Kyogo’s second.
Here’s Ange’s media conference from yesterday with the fan media questions coming hear the end.
Alistair Johnston also spoke to the media yesterday afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Noon kick-off at Rugby Park against Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock, and we’ll cover what Alistair had to say shortly.
