Alistair Johnston picks the 2 most skilful Celtic players and hardest working in training

By Lewis Laird

February 2, 2023

Celtic’s January recruit Alistair Johnston may have only been at the club for a few months, but he is already settling into Ange Postecoglou’s side.

The right-back has now started six times for the Hoops and looks to be a solid acquisition from Montreal Impact.

It doesn’t appear to have taken Johnston long to get acclimatised to life in Glasgow, and supporters have enjoyed listening to the defender on media duties.

Not only is he well-acclimated to being a Celtic player, but it already appears he knows his teammates well after around two months at Parkhead.

Speaking in a quick interview whilst promoting the release of the SPFL Match Attax cards, the Canadian was asked a few questions about his Hoops teammates.

The questions that arose were who was the most skilful and hardest working player amongst Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

I am sure the Celtic supporters will be able to guess two of his answers to those questions. However, there was also a slightly surprising name mentioned in the ‘most skilful’ category, which might leave fans a little surprised.

He said [CelticFC]: “The most skilful player on our team? I think there’s one that definitely stands out if I can find his card and that beautiful hair of his.

“It’s hard to go against the Portuguese sensation, Jota. Just so technical, so clean with everything that he does.

“But also a little shoutout to Reo (Hatate). He kind of goes a little under the radar with how technical he is. His first touch is just so clean with everything he does. So I think these two (Jota and Hatate) are the most technical.”

He continued: “Who works the hardest in training? Who am I going to go with here? It’s hard to go against the skipper (Callum McGregor), I have to say.

“Cal – this guy works his socks off. The ultimate leader. Comes in every day, trains like a madman every day. So I have to go with Cal, he’s the hardest worker for sure.”

You can watch the entire clip here.

I think if you put those questions to most players or supporters, the names Jota and Callum McGregor are the most likely to prop up.

However, it is interesting to hear that Johnston believes Hatate is up there with him as the most skilful player in the squad.

The midfielder is incredibly technically gifted, and there is no doubt he is up there as one of the best players currently at the club.

But clearly, he has a trick or two up his sleeve also, which just goes to showcase how gifted the Japanese international is, and he is continuing to develop.

Johnston clearly already has a good understanding with his teammates, and it is nice to see he has slotted straight into the brilliant dressing room atmosphere at Parkhead.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou rebuffs another lucky theory as Celtic hero does it again.