If Ally Johnston plays as well as he talks then we’re in for a real treat. Yesterday he formally made his entrance as a Celtic player in front of the media, including The Celtic fan media at Celtic Park and gave one of the best media conferences from a player in a very long time.
That confidence that was on display yesterday looks like being a great attribute for a player who is now going to be playing in front of 60,000 supporters at every home game. This move for Johnston is a match made in heaven and the 24 year old joins Celtic from MLS side, CF Montreal a five year deal after his stand-out performances for Canada at the World Cup in Qatar.
“My entire childhood was waking up and watching Premier League and Champions League and, of course, seeing Celtic in some of those big nights,” Ally Johnston said at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon. “And for me it’s always been one of those clubs that I’ve always been drawn to. I always look at it like this, if there’s a full slate of games going on in the Champions League, and Celtic’s playing at home, I want to watch the Celtic match.
Paradise at last🍀 HH https://t.co/tbKUoJHbaD
— Alistair Johnston (@_a_johnston) December 12, 2022
“It doesn’t matter who they’re playing, just to see the atmosphere. You can just tell how much more it means to this fanbase and what those European nights are like.
“We’ve also got a couple of players with the national team who have played in Scotland and they’ve just said, the league’s a blast and obviously Celtic is the cream of the crop in the league, so I’ve only heard glowing reviews and it’s kind of cool to finally live out that childhood fantasy.
“It’s been hectic, and I’ve tweeted about it a couple of times. But it’s no joke, the Celtic fans nearly broke my phone – just the outpouring of love has been pretty crazy. That, doubled up with being at a World Cup at the same time, was really just a crazy time in my life.
“But I’m super-excited to get here. Everyone’s been so warm and welcoming. Even in the city-centre, just walking around, people have been coming up and saying ‘Congratulations, mate. You’ve signed for the biggest club in the world!’ So it’s been a pretty unique and special welcome.”
And Ally Johnston also spoke about the significance of working with Ange Postecoglou had in his decision to sign for Celtic. “For myself, that relationship you have with the manager, you want to make sure you’re not going somewhere where you’re going just for the name, but you also want to go somewhere you’re truly wanted and you’re in their plans,” he said.
“I’ve been told that nothing’s going to be given, everything’s got to be earned and I think that’s something all young, aspiring footballers want – just an opportunity.
“That’s something which this coaching staff has been very strong about – that we’re trying to play a certain way and to bring in some young, talented players that have an edge to them.
“I think I fit that mould but the other two right-backs do as well, so I think it’ll be great. So I’m just here to fight for my place and hopefully earn some minutes.
“And just by talking to the manager, you can see how much he knows about the game, how much he cares for giving young players an opportunity and also how he’s done with his recruiting. Hopefully I can be another one in that long line of players that he’s brought over who have shown not only Scotland but all of Europe that they can play.”
🔊 LISTEN: “He came out of his way to find me… he said there’s nothing quite like Celtic”.
🍀 Alistair Johnston says he spoke to new team-mate Josip Juranovic and former Hoops midfielder Victor Wanyama about joining the club. pic.twitter.com/U4VbYMWNHS
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) December 12, 2022
Watch Ally Johnston’s media conference below…
A first look at Alistair Johnston in Celtic FC colours 🟢⚪️
He was officially introduced as a Celtic player today. Now, he’ll look to push his way into the squad, of which he’ll officially be able to do after January 1st#CanMNT pic.twitter.com/W0GZWcocaU
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) December 12, 2022
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