Alistair Johnston shares why victory at Ibrox could set the ‘perfect’ 2025 benchmark for Celtic

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2025 promises to be an exciting year for Celtic supporters as their side look to continue their journey on all fronts under Brendan Rodgers.

The Bhoys are unbeaten domestically this term and remain in contention to secure Champions League knockout playoff phase qualification should they defeat Young Boys or Aston Villa later this month.

Brendan Rodgers has presided over a start to the campaign that has all the hallmarks of being a successful one at Parkhead, regardless of what happens in today’s Glasgow Derby affair at Ibrox.

Making inroads in the transfer market looks to be a priority for the Scottish Premiership champions. More signings than anticipated may come to fruition amid reports Rodgers is keen on bringing two wingers to Celtic as Luis Palma gets set to file through the exit door.

Addressing matters on the field of play, Alistair Johnston has laid out why his side claiming three points against Rangers at Ibrox would be the ideal springboard heading into another action-packed 12 months.

Alistair Johnston on the 2025 benchmarks Celtic want to set

Speaking to The Daily Record, Johnston believes a win over Rangers would be the perfect tonic to begin 2025, while he also praised his teammates for handling Celtic’s squad rotation policy with distinction over the festive period.

He stated: “That would be the perfect start to 2025. We are just taking it game by game and this is the next one and everyone is excited for it.

The game the other day (St Johnstone) was the perfect set up for it, with a little bit of rotation, everyone feeling fresh and contributing, and everyone playing at a high level.”

Later, Johnston added: “When you look at the schedule, with no January break this year, it’s pretty mental, but there’s an understanding in the squad that the manager will need everyone.

“So far, we’ve seen guys step in and step up to the plate, and that is going to bode well for us going through this month and for the rest of the season.”

Celtic looking to continue momentum generated in 2024

While the New Year brings lots of cheer, it is also a time to take a moment to reflect before sizing up the challenges that lie ahead in 2025.

The Bhoys have positioned themselves nicely across all competitions to have a real shot at success this campaign, though there is still plenty of work to be done to fulfil that prophecy.

Fortune favours the bold, and Celtic are likely to adopt an affirmative stance in the transfer market to secure arrivals that bring strength in depth.

Combining fresh blood with continued results can hopefully be a recipe for more silverware to make its way through the Parkhead entrance before the campaign concludes.