Celtic star Alistair Johnston back pockets Ryan Kent as BBC pundit notes he “had his number”

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Former Rangers man and BBC Sportsound pundit Neil McCann reckons Ryan Kent struggled against Celtic’s Alistair Johnston once again today.

Celtic picked up a massive win at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon thanks to Jota’s first-half effort, which handed them a place in the Scottish Cup final.

The win in the Glasgow Derby keeps the Bhoys firmly on track for another domestic treble, while it also ensures that Rangers will finish the season without silverware.

Ange Postecoglou’s men dominated the game during the opening period and fully deserved to take the lead. But they certainly had to dig deep thereafter as Michael Beale’s side pushed for an equaliser.

While the Bhoys are often praised for their fluid attacking style, it was the defence that stepped up to the plate today. And Neil McCann has praised Alistair Johnston for keeping Ryan Kent quiet, with the Rangers attacker tellingly hauled off at half-time.

McCann says Kent struggled against Johnston

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, McCann said: “I was interested to see how Ryan Kent would do against Alistair Johnston today, but Johnston had his number again. 

“Kent’s mental strength looked really low. And with Alfredo Morelos, he’s done a great job for Rangers but he’s gone missing this season.”

Johnston is proving to be an astute piece of business for Celtic as they picked him up for just £3 million back in December. Kent, in contrast, cost an expensive £6.5m and now looks to possibly be walking out of the door for nothing with his contract up this summer.

The Celtic 24-year-old has slotted in seamlessly across his 18 starts and his solid display against Rangers this afternoon is further proof he has a bright future at the club. The defensive side of his game has been particularly impressive and Kent really didn’t get going against the Canadian.

Postecoglou will undoubtedly be delighted with Johnston’s impact and his early form in a Celtic shirt has been promising. The Bhoys will now wait on the outcome of the knock sustained in a collision with Borna Barisic that required him to be subbed off and take on crutches.

In other news, Chris Sutton skewers Ibrox bluster and mocks John Lundstram reaction to Celtic win.