New Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has made it clear he intends to become Martin O’Neill’s first choice after completing his move to Parkhead.
The former Wolves stopper was one of several additions made by the Scottish champions towards the end of the summer transfer window, arriving to provide competition for Viljami Sinisalo.
Johnstone revealed the move developed quickly after he learned of Celtic’s interest while training in England.
After considering what the switch would mean for his family, the goalkeeper admits the opportunity to join the Hoops was impossible to turn down.
Johnstone said: “If it was right for my family and me, then we were doing it.
“To come to a huge club like this is a privilege, and we didn’t have to think twice.”
The 33-year-old now faces a battle with Sinisalo for the gloves, but Johnstone has arrived in Glasgow determined to establish himself as Celtic’s No.1.
He said: “That’s the plan for me. But we’re here to compete.
“It’s not a given, but it’s down to the manager to choose then who plays.”
Johnstone also revealed former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart got in touch before the move.
Hart spent three successful seasons at Parkhead before retiring in 2024, and his glowing assessment of life at Celtic helped reassure Johnstone that he was making the right decision.
Johnstone said: “Joe rang me a couple of days before coming and reiterated how I’ll absolutely love it and what a great time he had.
“He helped, probably not make the decision, but that I was making the right decision, that this is a top place to be.”
He added: “There’s pressure to win games, high standards.
“At a huge club like this, you wouldn’t want anything else.”
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