“This is really special,” Alistair Johnston

It was a special occasion for Alistair Johnston who made his 100th appearance for the club in our 5-1 win over Aberdeen on Tuesday evening at Celtic Park…

Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring his second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

The Canadian international has been nothing short of superb since signing from CF Montreal for a fee of £2 million in January 2023.

We lost a terrific right back in Josip Juranovic when he left for Union Berlin in a £7.5 million move just shortly after the Canadians arrival, but AJ has gone on to show that he’s an even more accomplished performer than the classy Croatian.

📰 Alistair Johnston happy with three points as he joins Celtic’s 💯 club

💬 “To have 100 appearances at a club like this is really special.”

More from AJ ⤵️#CELABE | #CelticFC🍀

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 26, 2025

Alistair Johnston is a leader on the park

AJ is a true leader, and gives nothing but full commitment to the side. He has everything in his locker that’s required in a modern day full back. He has great athleticism, he does his job at both ends of the park, and he can pop up with the odd goal now and again.

AJ was selected in a Copa America team of the tournament for his displays in last summers tournament in which Canada finished in fourth place after reaching the Semifinals. Showcasing his talent at the very highest level.

Indeed he was a standout player in our recent game against Bayern at the Allianz Arena, proving once more that he’s of the highest quality.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the 5-1 win over Aberdeen, our Canadian star had this to say: “Whenever you can beat a team of this quality and score five goals, you’ve got to be pretty happy, especially at this stage of the season.

‘Tony Ralston congratulated me before the game’

“Tony Ralston congratulated me before the game on my 100th appearance but I didn’t realise it was!” AJ said. “To have 100 appearances at a club like this is really special. Around the changing room, there are guys who have so many more than that, and it feels like a small number.

“But to me, it’s an impressive thing and to me and my family, it’s really important and special. To have thought a couple years ago that I’d have 100 appearances for a club like Celtic, it’s not something that was even in the realm of possibility.