Alistair Johnston isn’t just a standout performer for Celtic; he’s also become a fan favorite among the Parkhead faithful.

The Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic brought joy, trophies, and a sense of resurgence, and Johnston’s arrival during that time has cemented him as a key figure in the squad.

From his relentless, all-action displays to the club’s ongoing recruitment successes, Alistair Johnston embodies what has made Celtic thrive during and after the Ange Postecoglou era.

Signed under Postecoglou in 2022 from CF Montreal, Johnston transitioned seamlessly into life at Parkhead, becoming a mainstay at right-back. Remarkably, the Canadian had not won a single piece of silverware before his move to Glasgow.

Now, just two years later, the 26-year-old has amassed five trophies in Celtic colours, including a domestic double in Brendan Rodgers’ first season back at the helm. Johnston’s meteoric rise perfectly illustrates the success of Celtic’s recruitment strategy and their ability to mold players into serial winners.

This season, Celtic have elevated their dominance, remaining unbeaten in the Premiership, sitting comfortably at the top of the table, and holding their own in the Champions League.

For Alistair Johnston, it didn’t take long to grasp the magnitude of the club he represents. While on national duty, the Canadian right-back proudly highlighted Celtic’s stature, calling it “one of the most famous clubs in the world.”

Johnston’s words resonate deeply with supporters who have witnessed his passion and commitment since joining. It’s clear that both on and off the pitch, he fully embraces what it means to play for the Hoops.

“You’d Rather Come Last Than Second”: Alistair Johnston Highlights Celtic’s Global Prestige

At Celtic, the expectations are simple: if you’re not first, you might as well be last, regardless of past glories. That relentless demand for success, according to Alistair Johnston, is what cements Celtic’s status as Scotland’s biggest club and a European heavyweight.

Speaking to Canadian broadcaster OneSoccer, the right-back emphasized the lofty standards that come with donning the green and white hoops. Johnston described Celtic as a “massive brand” recognized globally and proudly referred to them as “one of the most famous” clubs in the world.

Johnston’s words underline not just the pressure but also the privilege of representing a club with such a storied legacy—something he’s embraced wholeheartedly since his arrival.

Alistair Johnston emphasized the global reach and high expectations at Celtic, saying, “We have lofty expectations at Celtic, you know as well as everyone, it’s a massive brand, it’s a worldwide brand.” Reflecting on the club’s success, he highlighted the significance of Celtic’s presence on the European stage, particularly following their strong recent performances. Johnston added, “To be able to do that on the European stage, especially with the past couple of results we have had, we have put ourselves in a really good position with this new Champions League format.”

Alistair Johnston’s leadership qualities shone through when he was handed the Celtic armband during Callum McGregor’s absence for the October win at Motherwell. Johnston, who had previously scored only four goals for Celtic, marked the occasion in perfect fashion by finding the net at Fir Park, followed by another goal against Dundee the following week. His performance on and off the pitch demonstrated the respect he commands in the Celtic dressing room, and his understanding of the responsibility of wearing the armband. Given his leadership qualities, Johnston looks set to captain Celtic more often in the future.

Alistair Johnston reflected on the honor of wearing the Celtic armband, expressing his pride at the rare achievement of a Canadian-born fullback leading one of the world’s most famous and historic football clubs. “It wasn’t lost on me how big of an opportunity that was,” he shared. Johnston acknowledged the significance of the moment, especially given that most Celtic captains have traditionally come from Scotland or Ireland. His family and supporters back home in Canada were thrilled by the accomplishment, and Johnston himself sees it as a special experience that he will cherish for years to come.