As speculation intensifies regarding both incomings and outgoings at Celtic, one of the rumours that is really worrying me is the news that there could be multiple clubs preparing bids for Alistair Johnston…
We are all pretty much resigned to a handful of our top stars departing in the next few weeks, with Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate almost certain to move to pastures new.
I would also add last season’s top scorer Benjamin Nygren to that list. Whilst only being in Glasgow for a year, he didn’t exactly settle fears that he has already got his eye on a move elsewhere this summer during media duties at the World Cup.
Personally I wouldn’t be overly disappointed with any of these departures. I would love to keep them all but they have all given everything for the club, and if they feel like it’s their time to move on, then so be it.
It’s clear that these players see their futures away from Celtic so there is no point trying to hold them against their will, we have already got our fingers burnt in that regards previously during the dreaded ‘covid season’ with the infamous ‘wantaways’.
Alastair Johnston however is a different kettle of fish.
The Canadian has always spoke highly of Celtic and how happy he is at the club. He has never given any indication in media duties that he sees his future elsewhere, unlike the others I have mentioned.
Personally, Johnston is my favourite Celtic player and has been for a while. As a right back he has it all. Great defensively and offensively. Reads the game tremendously well and has an engine only surpassed by Daizen Maeda.
I love his attitude too. He has a winners mindset and it’s well documented that he’s one of the leaders in the dressing room and out on the pitch. He’s passionate and always speaks well when interviewed.
There has been talk for years about who could replace Callum McGregor as captain when he retires. I think the answer is right under our nose. This isn’t one where you shake his hand and thank him for his efforts. This is one you try to keep. One you convince that their future is at Celtic.
In this day and age is this possible, especially with a foreign player with no previous affiliation with the club?
I believe it is. It won’t be easy but it’s most certainly doable. Make Johnston a top earner alongside McGregor. Explain to him how much the club wants him to be our current captain’s successor. Drive home the idea that they want him to be the face of the club, the new leader who will inevitably join the list of club legends.
I think Johnston is the type of character who could buy into that vision.
I honestly don’t see him as someone who would leave Celtic for a mid-tier Premier League club. He won’t want to be just another player, he wants to be the main man.
He won’t want to play in a team that isn’t challenging for trophies. We have already heard Callum McGregor talking about wanting to know the ambitions of the club going forward. I think Johnston would be the same if he was to commit long term to Celtic, so it’s imperative we get our house in order.
Celtic have been so successful in the past because they have been able to retain the services of dressing room leaders, players such as Scott Brown and Callum McGregor. It’s vital we have a plan for the next long term captain.
I think we should push the boat out to make sure Alistair Johnston is that man.
Conall McGinty
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1 Comment
There are a few players over the years who have been labelled as a potential “future captain” of the team.
But AJ talks like one, acts like one, and plays like one.
The only thing he doesn’t have for a full back is that real top end elite pace. But he has everything else, and if he stayed, and if he became captain after Calmac, I’d be delighted.