Ange Postecoglou did many great things at Celtic and left a great legacy.
One of the things that gets associated with the Celtic hero is the Japanese stars he brought to Glasgow, including Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.
But a certain Alistair Johnston was another name who arrived under Postecoglou’s watch and he has gone on to forge a brilliant career in Celtic colours.
The 26-year-old joined in 2023 from Montreal and has made that right-back spot his own, as well as now becoming a consistent performer under Brendan Rodgers.
That’s Johnston’s performances on the field of play, but it’s not the only thing that has made him so likeable with the fanbase.
The Canada International’s recent interview, and his response, has got many talking on social media.
READ MORE: Ex-SFA referees clamp bitter Kris Boyd’s claim about Celtic hero Alistair Johnston vs St Mirren
Alistair Johnston on the moment he will most cherish as a Celtic player
Johnston is now been used to winning trophies at Celtic and also making those memorable trips to Hampden.
The most recent one was perhaps the best because Celtic beat Rangers on penalties to win the League Cup after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
In a recent Q/A with Celtic’s TikTok account, Johnston was asked ‘a moment with Celtic you will always cherish’ and his response was just brilliant.
“I think there is something really special about lifting a trophy at Hampden,” explained Johnston. “I have been lucky enough to do that now a couple of times.
“But, the moment after when you go over and you get to celebrate with the crowd. Half of Hampden is absolutely buzzing. The other half of Hampden is empty.
“You get to go over and You Will Never Walk Alone. Songs like that in front of the whole crowd when we are all interlocked, it’s really special.
“You can see again how much it means to the club and those kinds of moments. How much it means to the fans. Those are the moments that I will definitely cherish.”
Celtic fans back Johnston to be next club captain
Callum McGregor is the captain and the man who will continue to lead out the troops for as long as he is playing.
But given what the Celtic Park faithful are hearing from Johnston, they see him as the future captain because he just understands and gets the club.
This isn’t the first time that he has come across in such a manner and it’s no surprise that they want him to replace McGregor one day, as they shared on social media.
@Fitzy__07 gave Johnston his flowers: ‘Could not have given a better answer! In every conceivable way, Alistair Johnston just gets it. 🍀🇨🇦’
@WMcCusker4 thinks Celtic have a McGregor successor: ‘He will be our next captain, no question’.
@fgfmurray agreed with the captain shouts: ‘Benn saying the same for months – he has everything required’.
@BottleTop1888 added: ‘I love this guy’.
@DeeperLobster saw it another way: ‘Just hope it isn’t the start of a farewell…’
@Elcano6791 noted: ‘It’s a shame they don’t get to.walk up the stairs to get trophies at hampden anymore’.
@crichtonkevin1 added: ‘Brilliant man’.🍀💚
Lots of love for Johnston, as added @Gizzybhoy1991: ‘What a guy. 🍀’
@P19861888 was clear in his thoughts: ‘I don’t like using the whole “he gets it” thing all that often. But AJ is one who does. And I hope he’s with us for some time yet. Long enough to be our next captain’.
More skipper shouts, as @gmas1967 added: ‘Next Captain for me’.
Everyone will agree with @mcguigs1996: ‘Legendary 🍀🍀🇨🇦’
@frusinate1888 continued the theme: ‘Our Captain Futuro if he wants to stay’.
@jenmcewen85 added: ‘Captain Material’ 💚’
It needs to be noted Johnston has worn the captain’s armband this season when McGregor was absent and it was the perfect way to start.
Johnston was skipper for Celtic’s win at Motherwell in October and, not only did he lead the team out to a win, but he also got on the scoresheet.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
