Skip to main content

Alistair Johnston reveals what shocked him most about life at Celtic

The defender explained the biggest change from playing in the MLS.
Celtic FC Media Access
Celtic FC Media Access | Craig Williamson - SNS Group/GettyImages

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston has opened up about the biggest differences from playing in America to playing in Scotland.

On Friday, Johnston made his TV debut while on international duty. He was called up for the latest Canada squad, but it was known from the start that the defender wouldn't play. He was included because his return is soon, and it is expected that he will travel to play in the World Cup. The manager wants him to be involved.

Johnston smashed his TV appearance out of the park. It proves he can really do anything he sets his mind to, and he'll have a solid career in punditry should he choose to go that route at the end of his career.

But that'll hopefully be a while off, and on Friday night, the defender revealed some of the biggest changes he has experienced since making the move to Celtic.

Speaking on TSN's SportsCentre, he said: "For me, it wasn't actually the football that was the biggest change. Playing in front of 60,000 people at Celtic Park obviously opens your eyes to how much football means, but it was the off-the-pitch stuff.

"They told us that all the international boys live in the West End [of Glasgow], so I did that, but after six months, I said there's no chance of that, because I need somewhere that I can have some of my own space.

"It is a city where there is not any other A-list celebrities - all the musicians are Celtic fans, for crying out loud! Sir Rod Stewart sits in front of me when I'm injured in the director's box. Lewis Capaldi is another huge one - a huge Celtic fan. You are the A-list celebrity [in Glasgow].

"I have to get my groceries delivered, do you know how sad that sounds? But it is the way to do it. Costco is the craziest day of my month, and it is a melee in there.

"You are a Celtic player 24/7. It's a fishbowl. You can have a hat on, sunglasses, AirPods in, and dudes are running up and grabbing you.

"The players that survive and are successful at Celtic aren't necessarily the best players, but they're the ones with the personality to live up to it."

The tricky part of playing for Celtic

Becoming an 'A-list celebrity', in Johnston's words, is certainly one of the hardest parts of playing for Celtic. In Glasgow, you never really get a break, especially if you're a player like the defender who is absolutely adored by Hoops supporters.

Johnston is on his way back to action, and it's an exciting time to be a Celtic fan. We are still in contention for two trophies, including the league title, so hopefully, he can help the club out.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations