Alistair Johnston opens up on his Celtic future – “The grass isn’t always greener”

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The Celtic Star

·18 settembre 2025

Alistair Johnston opens up on his Celtic future – “The grass isn’t always greener”

Alistair Johnston has spoken about his Celtic future, with the Canadian defender making it clear that he is happy where he is…

Alistair Johnston of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier Sports League Cup match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The right-back is in the process of recovering from a hamstring injury picked up against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League playoff qualifier first-leg at Celtic Park in which he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher during the first half.

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Reflecting on various aspects of his Celtic career so far, Johnston acknowledged the widespread ambition among players to one day feature in the Premier League, but underlined that he remains very satisfied with life in Scotland for now.

Speaking to Park the Bus Podcast, Johnston said: “If you were to say that I was able to finish my career at Celtic, it means that I’ve done something really, really well done,” he said. “I’ve done something right for a club of this magnitude to want to keep me in the building for that long.”

Concacaf Gold Cup-Group Stage-El Salvador at Canada Jun 24, 2025 Houston, Texas, USA Canada forward Tajon Buchanan 17 celebrates scoring with defender Alistair Johnston 2 during the second half against El Salvador during a group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston Shell Energy Stadium Texas Photo Troy Taormina

“At the same time, I’m a player that I’ve sometimes probably struggled when I get satisfied to a degree, I get comfortable. I think that’s sometimes when my game can lag a little bit because I rely so much on my physicality, my mental fortitude of being so locked in that sometimes I like being out of my comfort zone. And that’s what really brings out the best in me.”

Johnston added: “Yeah, the Premier League is obviously a dream, I think, of pretty much every player. It’s the highest level that you can play at. But luckily, in my time here at Celtic, I’ve been able to play in some pretty big matches too in the Champions League.”

Alistair Johnston is stretchered off after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“To truly answer your question, of course, I have aspirations to potentially play in some of the biggest leagues in the world.”

“But at the same time, I’m really happy here. I’m really settled here,” he said. “It’s a great city, a great fanbase that truly loves and appreciates me. The grass isn’t always greener – we’ve seen that quite a few times.”

Johnston should not be criticised for voicing his ambition to one day play in the English Premier League. Like he outlines, it is where every footballer wants to be these days. It is only natural for players to become lethargic at playing at the same club or in the same league.

However, AJ also points out that the grass is not always greener. He is a fans-favourite and the Celtic support would love to see him remain at the club for as long as he wishes.

The signing of Johnston by Ange in January 2022 was more than just shrewd business. The Canadian has gone onto become a quality player, an upgrade on Josip Juranovic and a leader in the dressing room.

Conor Spence

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