What Canada fans are saying about Celtic hero Alistair Johnston as his Copa America comes to an end

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Alistair Johnston had a fantastic 2023/24 season with Celtic and went on to enjoy a stellar summer with the Canadian national team.

Johnston’s side made it all the way into the semi-finals of the Copa America before exiting with no disgrace to world champions Argentina.

The Celtic right-back played his last game at the tournament on Saturday night against Uruguay in a third-place playoff.

Johnston featured for an hour in a heartbreaking penalty defeat after a dramatic 90th-minute 2-2 equaliser from Luis Suarez denied Canada victory.

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the defender will now enjoy a period of holiday rest, missing out on Celtic’s upcoming USA tour before returning to training ahead of the opening Scottish Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock.

Canada fans have their say on Alistair Johnston’s Copa America exploits

He’s been a big hit with supporters of the national team. They’ve enjoyed his combative style up against the best that the continents across the Atlantic had to offer.

That assessment continued throughout the Uruguay fixture with X user @canadafootballx stating: “Johnston is having a great half – and indeed, a great tournament.”

Another, user @LFCyussef6, noted that Johnston “looked great” on the right flank alongside Vancouver Whitecaps talent Ali Ahmed, supporting attacks and getting stuck into the opposition.

The Celtic hero marked himself out as one of the team’s top performers in the competition with one fan, @rgfray1, saying on social media: “Alistair Johnston was Canada’s MVP of the 2024 Copa America.”

Another, @leballetdelavie, summed it up well with: “What a tournament for Alistair Johnston. Not the most flashy for sure but he was so solid and consistent. Simply massive. Knew he was special when he played in Montreal and now he’s showing it on the big stage again.”

Celtic fan Dominik Diamond, who now lives in Canada, added: “Sorry to keep repeating myself… but another strong game for Canada from Alistair Johnston. He really seems to have grown in stature, confidence and toughness. He looks absolutely world class.”

And Canada supporter @caseyydobson_ has a message for the Bhoys, stating: “If I’m Celtic I’m holding on TIGHT to Alistair Johnston for as long as I can because it surely can’t be long until the rest of Europe’s power players come calling.”

Alistair Johnston shines at the elite level

Johnston played six matches at Copa America and per FotMob, his match ratings were above a seven in four of them. That consistency only dipped in the two matches against Argentina which is somewhat understandable.

He was in the 95th percentile for tackling in comparison to all other defenders at the tournament, also ranking highly for possession won in the final third and in personal duels.

He brought intensity and physicality to his performances, laying it all on the line for his country. No doubt we will see a similar application when he returns to Celtic.

Johnston is likely to be the club’s first-choice right-back again in the coming season, so it’s pleasing he’ll be bringing even more confidence back to Glasgow after proving himself at a major tournament.