Alistair Johnston quizzed on finishing his career at Celtic amid Premier League question

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Alistair Johnston has gone from strength to strength at Celtic.

When the Canadian was brought to Celtic Park to replace Josip Juranovic in 2023, he was thrown straight in by Ange Postecoglou to start at Ibrox.

Pretty much since then, he has looked at home in Hoops. A tireless runner who loves both sides of the game, he has been a mainstay for the Hoops when fit.

Brendan Rodgers’ arrival has seen Johnston step in as Celtic captain on occasion, with the defender’s personality endearing him to fans and teammates alike.

So when quizzed on the idea of moving to the Premier League, his answer was bound to be interesting.

Alistair Johnston on leaving Celtic for the Premier League

Matt O’Riley became the latest in a long line of Hoops stars to move south of the border when he completed a move to Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

READ MORE: Alistair Johnston gives huge Celtic fitness update in positive development for Brendan Rodgers

Could Johnston be the next, or is Celtic his forever home? The Canadian has left the door open to both possibilities.

Asked by the Park the Bus podcast on what he thinks of his options, he said: “I would love for you to land in Glasgow with a sign that says, ‘Celtic’s not a big club’. It’s a really good problem to have. None of those options sound bad to me in the slightest.

“If you were to say that I was able to finish my career at Celtic, it means that I’ve done something right. For a club of this magnitude to want to keep you in the building for that long.

“At the same time, I’m a player who has struggled when I’ve gotten satisfied or comfortable. I think that’s sometimes where my game can lag a little bit.

“The Premier League is a dream for pretty much every player, it’s the highest level you can play at. But luckily in my time at Celtic I’ve been able to play in some pretty big matches in the Champions League. I don’t think that match against Rangers can be looked down upon either.”

A good answer from the 26-year-old, who managed to be diplomatic and revealing at the same time.

Is Alistair Johnston the best Celtic right back of this generation?

Now in his third full season at Celtic Park and fourth overall, Johnston is beginning to stand out as one of the best right-backs there has been for a while.

Whilst it will take him a while to match Mikael Lustig’s trophy haul, he is certainly on the right track.

Jeremie Frimpong and Josip Juranovic have also both excelled in Glasgow, but come January, Johnston will have spent the same amount of time at the club as that pair combined.

Should the Canadian decide to stay for years to come, he has the potential to be one of Celtic’s modern greats in his position.