Celtic’s Alistair Johnston honoured alongside Lionel Messi and Raphinha after Copa America heroics

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As Celtic prepares for their Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock on Sunday, Alistair Johnston’s performances for Canada in the Copa America have just been recognised.

The Celtic defender played in all six of the Canadians’ games in the tournament as he reached the semi-final stage after creating history beating the likes of Peru and Venezuela.

However, Johnston and Canada met their match as Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat them twice in the US-based competition as the Argentines went on to eventually lift the trophy.

The Canadians lost their opening group game to Argentina and succumbed 2-0 in the semi-final against Messi’s side to end an impressive run where Johnston really impressed the fans in his home country.

And the performances of the Celtic defender have been recognised by CONMEBOL last night.

Alistair Johnston named as one of Copa America’s best players

The Celtic fullback put in a string of superb performances in the Copa America and as a result, was named alongside Messi as one of the best players in the tournament.

This is quite the accolade considering Johnston was up against the likes of World Cup winner, Gonzalo Montiel, Uruguay legend, Nahitan Nández and Juventus’ Brazilian captain, Danilo.

Johnston hasn’t taken part in Celtic’s US Tour after being given an extended break by Brendan Rodgers so he can rest and recuperate for the new season ahead.

The 25-year-old was an ever-present for the Celtic boss last season and Rodgers will be hoping that Johnston will carry on his excellent Copa America form into the Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The Celtic Park curtain raiser will be highly anticipated by the fans as they will get to see either Viljami Sinisalo or Kasper Schmeichel in the flesh for the first time.

The Parkhead support will also be hoping that they will see Adam Idah in the green and white Hoops after recent developments suggest the Republic of Ireland striker could be a Celtic player before the end of the week.