Alistair Johnston: The Relentless Right-Back Cementing His Place in Celtic Folklore
When Alistair Johnston signed for Celtic in December 2022, the general mood around Parkhead was one of cautious optimism. Josip Juranovic, the club’s outstanding Croatian right-back, had just lit up the World Cup in Qatar and was clearly on his way to a big-money move to Union Berlin. Ange Postecoglou, always one step ahead, had already identified Johnston as the ideal replacement. The Canadian international arrived from CF Montréal with little fanfare outside MLS circles, but inside Lennoxtown, Celtic knew exactly what they were getting: a tenacious, intelligent, and tactically disciplined full-back with enormous potential.
Fast forward to April 2025, and Johnston has gone from relative unknown to a near-automatic starter at Celtic. More than that, he’s become a pillar of consistency in one of the most dominant domestic sides in recent Scottish football history. With two trebles already within touching distance and a third possibly in sight, Johnston is not just part of a successful team—he’s one of its defining figures.
Focused on the Task, Not the Trophy
Ahead of a pivotal Scottish Cup semi-final clash against St Johnstone at Hampden Park, Johnston sat down with Celtic TV and offered a rare insight into the mindset of the squad as they chase an extraordinary ninth domestic treble in the club’s history.
“It’s funny, I get asked this question a lot—when do those treble discussions start happening?” Johnston said. “But honestly, the changing room doesn’t change from August to April. The lads just show up, go to work, and you know, we’re just lads at the end of the day.”
He added: “You’re not too focused on the trophies. You’re just focused on getting through the week, getting through the training sessions, focusing on that next match. That’s been no different from week one to where we are now. So no, there’s still no talk of that. It’s just about getting through the next massive match against St Johnstone. Hopefully, we can get through that, put ourselves in a cup final, and then that opens the door to something else come the end of May.”
This level-headed mentality is something Celtic fans have come to expect under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. Whether it’s a league match in Dingwall or a cup tie at Hampden, the mantra remains the same: one game at a time. And Johnston embodies that better than most. He’s not one for big declarations or flashy soundbites. He’s a worker, a winner, and a quiet leader—a defender whose mentality matches his physicality.
Success Written in Silverware: Johnston’s Celtic Career So Far
It’s easy to forget just how much Johnston has already achieved in such a short space of time. Since his debut in January 2023, he’s become a staple in Celtic’s backline and one of the most dependable full-backs in the Scottish game. His list of honours is already impressive:
2 Scottish Premiership titles
2 Scottish Cup wins
2 Scottish League Cup wins
More than 75 Celtic appearances
Multiple Old Firm derbies and European nights under his belt
That’s not bad for a player who only made his professional debut in 2020.
Statistically, Johnston is among the most well-rounded full-backs in Scotland. His defensive contributions are top-tier—rarely dribbled past, strong in the tackle, and positionally astute. But it’s his offensive development that has really caught the eye this season. He’s already chipped in with key goals and assists, and his overlapping runs have become a crucial weapon for Celtic, particularly when wingers like James Forrest or Daizen Maeda cut inside.
What’s more impressive is how he’s adapted to a second managerial style under Brendan Rodgers. The tactical tweaks, particularly in Europe, have required Johnston to take on more nuanced roles—tucking inside as an auxiliary midfielder in possession, or pressing high and wide in domestic games. He’s met every challenge with maturity and determination.
A Leader Without Needing the Armband
While Johnston may not wear the captain’s armband, his voice carries weight in the Celtic dressing room. His background with the Canadian national team—where he’s already earned over 40 caps and featured in a World Cup—has given him the kind of international experience that young players respect. He speaks with clarity, intelligence, and above all, a team-first attitude that aligns perfectly with Celtic’s culture.
It’s no surprise then that Celtic tied him down to a long-term deal until the summer of 2029, signalling their belief that he can be part of the club’s spine for years to come. Johnston has shown not just the ability to thrive in the present, but the character and consistency to lead the team into the future.
Best Since Lustig? The Growing Legacy
Every era at Celtic has its heroes, and every position comes with its own historical bar. When it comes to right-backs, Mikael Lustig is the modern benchmark. The Swede was beloved for his commitment, character, and ability to rise to the big occasion. He was also part of multiple treble-winning sides and delivered some unforgettable moments in the Hoops.
It’s fair to say that Johnston is following closely in his footsteps. While Lustig had the benefit of time to build his Celtic legacy, Johnston’s accelerated progress and all-action style have quickly endeared him to the fans. He’s not flashy, but he’s honest. Not boastful, but bold. And he always shows up when it matters most.
There’s a growing belief among supporters that Johnston could go on to surpass even Lustig’s legacy if he remains at Parkhead long enough. His work rate, commitment to improvement, and sheer love for the club are there for all to see.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
Celtic’s season remains delicately poised. With the Scottish Premiership title race still competitive, a place in the Scottish Cup final up for grabs, and the potential for another treble looming, the pressure is building. But if Johnston’s comments are any indication, the squad isn’t interested in pressure—they’re focused on performance.
For Johnston personally, the goals are simple: keep getting better, stay healthy, and keep contributing. He’s already etched his name into recent Celtic history, but there’s still so much more to come.
Whether it’s battling it out in Europe, taking on Rangers at Ibrox, or lifting yet another trophy at Hampden, Alistair Johnston has proven that he belongs at Celtic—and if his trajectory continues, he may one day be remembered not just as a great right-back, but as a Celtic great, full stop.
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