Qatar hero Alistair Johnston stunned by Celtic fans’ ‘outpouring of love’

Johnston was asked about his early days as a Celt, and he said: ‘It’s been hectic. I tweeted about it a couple of times but it is no joke, the Celtic fans almost broke my phone, just the outpouring of love has been pretty crazy.

‘That, doubled up with participating in a World Cup at the same time, it is a crazy time in my life. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming.

‘Even just walking around the town centre people have been coming up and saying, “congratulations, you’ve signed for the biggest club in the world”.

‘It has been a unique and special welcome.’

Johnston, whose dad’s side of the family is English and Scottish while his mother is from Northern Ireland, played against Hoops full-back Josip Juranovic in Canada’s 4-1 defeat by Croatia in Qatar.

Juranovic has been linked with a big-money move from Celtic after some terrific performances in Qatar, while Scotland defender Anthony Ralston is also standing in Johnston’s way.

However, the new recruit is ready to fight for his place.

He said: ‘I did actually talk to him (Juranovic) afterwards and said hello. He was really good about coming to find me after a big 4-1 win for them. He is a great player.

‘Nothing is going to be given (at Celtic), everything will be earned.

‘That is something all aspiring footballers want, an opportunity, and that is something the coaching staff has been very strong about, that we are trying to play a certain way and want to bring in some young, talented players that have an edge to them.

‘I fit that mould but the other two right-backs have that as well. I am here to fight for my place and hopefully earn some minutes.’

By way of comparison with modern-day players, Canada head coach John Herdman likened Johnston to Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta.

Johnston said: ‘My national team manager John Herdman likes to say Cesar Azpilicueta at Chelsea.

‘The ability to play in a back three, a back four, a back five, that flexibility that he brings, he’s super-consistent.

‘I have a lot of physicality. I just love to defend. For me, putting in a big tackle is just as good as getting on the end of a cross. I live to defend.’

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