Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has paid tribute to right-back Alistair Johnston after his battling performance against Rangers on Saturday afternoon.
Johnston won the man of the match award for a quality all-round display on the right flank both in support of the Celtic attack and defending Joe Hart’s goal. Tough tackling, pace, composure, smart decision-making and a bit of flair were all apparent to supporters, who loved cheering him on.
There were phases of play that the Bhoys didn’t have full control of, but it was in those chaotic moments that Johnston showed the best of himself and helped Celtic come through towards the victory.
Alistair Johnston earns plaudits from Celtic boss
After the game, Postecoglou noted that Johnston has one of those ‘special’ personalities, stating [The Scotsman]: “Alistair loves a battle, doesn’t he? I think he’d have a fight by himself. When you bring guys in, you look at what he can bring from a playing perspective. But having been here 20 months, you also know that it takes a special kind of personality to play for this club.
“The expectations are there every week and you have to perform and be at your best. You have to overcome every opponent and Alistair exemplifies all of that. He’s a good footballer and physically he’s outstanding. But he also has that character and winning drives. He’s only been here for four months but has played in three of these games. In every one, he’s stood up really well.”
Today was only Johnston’s 15th appearance for Celtic, if you can believe it. He’s only right at the beginning of his journey in Glasgow and hopes are high he can improve even more.
Still just 24 and with a contract that runs all the way until 2027, we hopefully have years of Johnston rampaging up and down the touchline in pursuit of attackers and leaving defenders in the dust. The early signs are certainly encouraging.
With a full pre-season under his belt we can expect a step up in performance and that’ll be needed for European games – but where he is right now is clearly more than good enough for the toughest Scottish Premiership tests.
He’ll be a cult hero before long if he keeps this up.
In other news, The truth about Celtic and Rangers gap despite what Lundstram, McCoist and the rest say.
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