No issue with Alistair Johnston’s Champions League trip to Newcastle

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The Celtic Star

·19 settembre 2025

No issue with Alistair Johnston’s Champions League trip to Newcastle

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston took in Newcastle United against Barcelona at St James’ Park in the Champions League last night…

The Canadian defender is currently out with a hamstring problem so was able to travel down south as he continues his recovery.

Just chilling before the game with Alastair Johnston, Celtic and Canada player and now Newcastle United supporter! Howay the Bhoys! https://t.co/rHzjp8o0VP #NUFC #BARCA #NEWBAR #CelticFC
– giovedì 18 settembre 2025

The Catalan giants won 2-1 courtesy of two terrific goals by on loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. Anthony Gordon pulled one back for the hosts late on, but Hansi Flick’s side held on to secure an important three points in their opening match of their Champions League campaign.

OneFootball Video

Marcus Rashford of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James’ Park on September 18, 2025. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Sidelined for three months after suffering an injury in the Champions League play-off first-leg qualifier against Kairat Almaty, Johnston has already sat out several games, leaving Brendan Rodgers to rely on Anthony Ralston and youngster Colby Donovan to cover at right-back.

Alistair Johnston of Celtic lies injured during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Johnston’s presence at Newcastle’s European fixture was soon noticed on social media, where fans circulated photos of the 25-year-old.

As he continues his spell on the sidelines, his visit comes at a time when Celtic are missing out on Champions League action after their embarrassing penalty shoot-out loss to Kazakh minnows Kairat.

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)

Since joining Celtic, the defender has played a vital role under Ange Postecoglou and Rodgers, and the current Hoops boss will be keen to see him return as the team balances domestic duties with their eight Europa League games between now and January.

Celtic supporters will take encouragement from Johnston’s appearance, seeing it as a sign he remains positive despite his injury. His rehabilitation is being closely monitored, with a comeback aimed for November, and his influence and stability at the back will be important once he is available again.

Also playing in Europe’s elite club competition last night was our friends Kairat. They were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and now languish 33rd after the first matchday.

Their next opponents in the competition? Real Madrid in Kazakhstan. What a mouthwatering occasion that could have been for Celtic. However, even if we had got past Kairat, leaving the signings to the last minute as clearly was the plan would have still left us unprepared even if Michael Nicholson’s plan worked. Look at the two wingers on Sunday at Rugby Park, hit and miss could describe their impact.

Imagine finding that out at Champions League level. The big lesson is that we should be signing players as near as possible to the first day of the transfer window and certainly nowhere near the last.

And back to Alistair Johnston going to a Newcastle v Barcelona match in the Champions League and some folk having a problem with that. He’s Canadian, he’s not going to stay in Europe after his playing days are over, he’s said he’ll be going home. He is taking in huge match just a few hours drive down the road from his Glasgow home. How many top stars from England have come up to Glasgow to watch Celtic play? Give AJ a break. Bet he enjoyed his night.

Conor Spence

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