What might have been lost in the haze as we secured the win that takes us 12 points clear at the top of the league looking down on theRangers, is the fact that Alistair Johnston made his home debut today. The Canadian has slotted in at right-back and looks as if he’s been playing there for all his life.
After his push into the deep end at Ibrox, the young man looks a very astute signing already as we look to take this current Celtic team to the next level – both at home and abroad. Alistair was impeccable at the home of our rivals last Monday and he provided grit, determination and calmness with a very assured derby display.
Being included in the side today by Ange Postecoglou, the 24-year-old impressed once again; with Simon Donnelly putting his name forward along with eventual winner, Reo Hatate for the Dafabet Man of the Match award this Saturday. He was unlucky in all honesty not to come away with the prize and was beaten by a man in red-hot form.
The Celtic supporters have been raving about Ally Johnston’s display again on Twitter and some reckon he is going to be a major leader in the future for us. It’s hard to disagree with that assertion as he looks every bit as vocal and authoritative as Joe Hart, Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The more leaders out there, the better it is for this club.
Take a look at some of the reaction:
Home start for AJ after debut on Monday. I like to see a player get a run of 6 starts to voice early opinion. I’m making an exception. I’ve seen enough. Amazing engine. Crunching tackles. Solid technique. Good pace. Brilliant attitude. This lad is going to be a star #Celtic 🍀 pic.twitter.com/YyZqV8M6ZF
— E-Tims (@ETimsNet) January 7, 2023
I really like his aggression, by the start of next season when he’s fully settled and integrated he’ll be an on field leader, can see it in him already.
— Inside The SPFL (@AgentScotland) January 7, 2023
Noticed him very early on. Rangers counter with Fashion getting a 20 yard start on him and Johnson caught up with him easily and bounced him off the ball with ease. Is fashion slow ? Candy from a baby CSC 🍀
— Harjam10 (@Harjam10) January 7, 2023
Was tremendous again today, looks like he’s been here all season with how he has fit in.
His link up play with Abada when he came on was excellent too
Best right back in world football…..
— stephen (@bigsteviebhoy) January 7, 2023
I thought he was motm today, I don’t think there was a blade of grass he didn’t cover
— Frank63 (@frahoops) January 7, 2023
The Bhoys’ a train 🍀
— Mark78 (@Mark7814465268) January 7, 2023
Paul Gillespie
