Celtic have already completed a couple of deals and we are still almost a month away from the transfer window opening. That shows the swiftness with which the club moves these days, a complete opposite of the past, when they had a reputation for dragging their heels when it came to making signings. Their latest addition to the team is Alistair Johnston, who had a solid World Cup with the Canada national team.
Now, most Celtic fans would have heard Johnston’s name for the first time during his World Cup run with Canada but he has been making an impression from way before that.
Johnston has been considered as one of the best defenders in the MLS for some time now and is an integral part of the Canadian national team, who exceeded expectations at the World Cup even though they were knocked from the group stages itself.
When it comes to a move to Celtic, it looks like St Johnstone star, David Wotherspoon, helped him make his mind. As reported by Glasgow Live, he said:
"“He spoke to me about the move a lot and I told him it was a no-brainer. Celtic are a massive club. He’s a great guy first and foremost and a great defender.“You’ve seen in the World Cup what he can do and I think he’s one of those type of defenders Celtic fans will love. Alistair is robust and Mr Consistent. He has the attributes to do well in Scottish football. He’ll be tested in Europe as well, of course.“The fact he’s played at the highest level of international football now will stand him in good stead. I’m looking forward to seeing him when he comes across and looking forward to playing against him hopefully as well. We could well be on the same side of the pitch. Unfortunately he knows all about the chop and will be ready for it.”"
Premiership rival told Johnston to move to Celtic
It will be very interesting to see how Johnston does in Scotland. It is quite clear that he is very highly rated and comes with a big reputation.
But at the same time, one has to remember that he is coming in from a different continent itself and thus, it will be a task, adjusting to new surroundings, teammates and style of football.
Johnston does seem to have all the tools to be a success in Ange Postecoglou’s team though, with the Australian showing an impressive eye for picking out players. Hopefully, this one will be a success as well, especially when you consider that the Canadian international has most probably been brought in as the replacement for Josip Juranovic.