‘At such a young age’ – Celtic’s ‘true leader’ talked up by international teammate

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Celtic have a number of international players in their squad right now who have played at major tournaments for their country.

Celtic hero Kasper Schemichel and defenders Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston all represented their national side at the recent Euros.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Luis Palma and Alistair Johnston have also all represented the USA, Canada and Honduras over the past season or two whilst at the Celtic Park club.

But it seems that it’s Johnston who is setting the heather on fire for Canada as international teammate, and Hibs star, Junior Hoilett, points out before today’s big Scottish Cup tie.

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Hibs star Junior Hoilett blown away by Celtic hero Alistair Johnston

Hoilett told The Scotsman, “I always knew he would be good.

“He’s a very confident and strong player. To see how well he’s done over here to gel so quickly and play for a top team and play in the top leagues, the Champions League, is great for Canada.

“I’m happy for him. He’s my rival this weekend so I can’t keep boosting him up! He’s done major and he’s done big stuff for Canada so to keep that going for him is good for the sport of Canada.

“He’s one of the leaders in the team. He has some of the most caps in our current squad now at such a young age. It shows the way he carries himself not only on the field but off the field. He’s a true leader and a true representative of Canada.”

Alistair Johnston’s Canada career since joining Celtic

Johnston joined Celtic in January 2022 and almost immediately written himself into the clubs history books.

Winning a treble in his first six months at Celtic, the Canadian fullback is a huge fan favourite amongst the Hoops support.

But since joining the Parkhead club, Johnston has seen his international career flourish and go from strength to strength.

• 33 of Johnston’s 51 caps earned after Celtic move
• Reached the CONCACAF Nations League Final vs USA in September 2023
• Reached the Copa America semi-final in October 2024
• Reached the semi-final of the Gold Cup in July 2021

Johnston is just as important to Canada as he is to Celtic as the 26-year-old continues to reap the plaudits for his superb form at Parkhead this season.