Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Celtic was one of the best and one of the most enjoyable in the modern area.
Not only did Postecoglou provide trophies, the Treble and incredible all-action football, but Celtic’s recruitment was on the money too.
The Celtic icon dived into places he knows well and purchased unknown figures that have turned into diamonds.
Some get more praise or limelight than others, such as Matt O’Riley before his transfer to Brighton or any of the Japanese stars.
But one man seems to be going under the radar and Alan Hutton wanted to give him his due praise.
Alistair Johnston has been an ‘outstanding’ signing for Celtic
Josip Juranovic was a popular figure at Celtic, but as he was heading for the exit door, the club snapped up Alistair Johnston for £3.5 million from the MLS.
The consistency levels from the Canada international have been off the charts and he is one of the most reliable players on the team.
Brendan Rodgers is reaping the rewards from that and Hutton stated that attacking players hate playing against the Celtic right-back.
Hutton added how Johnston ‘very rarely’ gets caught out from a defensive standpoint and he is now adding to the attacking side of his game, as he told Premier Sports.
“He seems like a leader within that group,” said Hutton. “He has been an outstanding signing for me. He was captain on that day (against Motherwell), which kind of tells you a lot.
“One on one defending, I think he is very good and very clever. He doesn’t give people space. He knows when to challenge and when to stand off.
“I think going forward, he gives you something. He’s not gung-ho or erratic and gets caught up the pitch. He’s very rarely caught out if you look at the way he plays – I just think he has been an excellent signing. One I think attacking players look at and know they are going to be in for a difficult challenge on that day.”
What Ange Postecoglou said about Johnston
Juranovic leaving Celtic wasn’t much of a blow because of how Johnston has performed during that period.
He might not have the attacking power that your modern-day fullbacks have today, but he is certainly reliable.
Plus, Johnston scored during Celtic’s win over Motherwell at the weekend, all whilst donning the captain’s armband.
But when he first arrived, Postecoglou knew he was getting a top-quality player, as he told Sky Sports at the time:
“I’m delighted,” said Postecoglou. “He’s someone we identified pretty early on as somebody we think can add to our club. He’s had an interesting career path where he’s had to work very hard to get to where he is, and we’re very happy to conclude the deal and knowing he was going to the World Cup, I think he performed well there as well.
“He’s really keen to come across and take the next step in his career, and I think he’ll be a great fit in our dressing-room, and he’ll definitely add something to our football as well.
“He’s predominantly played on the right side of defence, at centre-back or right-back. He’s very good technically, very good going forward and also a really strong competitor and he doesn’t mind the physical aspects of the game, and as I said, I think he’ll add something to our club.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
