Celtic supporters will be delighted with the news that Alistair Johnston has committed his future to the club on a deal until the summer of 2029.
Confirmation of the agreement came on Friday morning, with Brendan Rodgers able to lock down another prize asset as he builds for the future at Parkhead.
If anything, Johnston’s Celtic contract renewal is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Since joining in 2023, the Canada international has registered six goals and 14 assists in 79 appearances, establishing himself as a key part of the furniture.
Nine of his goal contributions have come this season, evidencing the evolution he has undergone since working under Rodgers’ stewardship.
With his deal providing security for both parties, Johnston has opened up on why Rodgers has been able to unlock another side to his game.
Alistair Johnston on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic influence
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s trip to face Hearts, Johnston thanked Rodgers and his coaching staff for helping him to go to ‘another level’ within his tactical framework.
He explained: “I was ecstatic when they brought up the idea of extending my contract; it was something that I hadn’t really been thinking too much about because I still had three years on my deal and was focusing on my football and helping the team win and just performing at my best.
“When the club brought it up to me and my agent, it was something I was excited by. To think that still with three years left, they were still thinking of this as extending me as one of the priorities.
“It was big for me because it obviously shows that they value me and believe I’m an important part of this team. In terms of reasons to sign, for me, it was simple. Playing for this club is special. Walking out and playing in front of 60,000, some of the atmospheres and matches I’ve already been part of in my short two years here, unbelievable.
“Even in the past couple of weeks, you think back to the Leipzig match. Matches like that, it’s everything you want as a footballer. Since Brendan’s come in, I think he’s elevated me to another level all together, he’s put a lot of trust in me, the whole coaching staff has and really empowered me to not only be a leader but an attacking full-back to just try and dictate the play with my physicality and everything.
“It’s something I’ve really enjoyed and I’ve felt that I’ve grown as a player. I’m entering the prime years some would say of a footballer’s career. It’s exactly where I want to be for my prime years and continue to grow and see what I become.”
Celtic will want to tie up other prize assets after Johnston
Johnston’s future is now decided, but there are lingering questions over who could be next to extend their time at Celtic.
Greg Taylor’s contract situation at the Bhoys has come under scrutiny as he enters the final stretch of his deal, though Rodgers has reiterated his desire to get an agreement over the line for the Scotland international.
He stated: “I don’t think there’s anything close, but I repeat, it’s definitely something I want to do, but I have to respect both sides on that. From Greg’s side, from the club’s side, from a managerial side, I really want him to stay here, and I really hope we can do everything we can to keep him, but I also respect Greg’s position.”
Alongside Taylor, James Forrest and Kasper Schmeichel are also in the same boat. Nevertheless, you suspect their futures will be resolved somewhere down the line.
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