ARNE ENGELS summed up the all-action style of Alistair Johnston with a fair degree of accuracy as Celtic prepare for tomorrow night’s Premiership confrontation with St Mirren in Paisley.
The Hoops’ smooth operator reflected the Canadian’s midweek outing against Aberdeen at Parkhead before delivering his verdict.
Two minutes into stoppage-time – and with the champions 4-1 ahead – the 26-year-old defender stormed forward deep into enemy territory to accept a pass from Yang Hyun-jun before whipping over a low cross for Daizen Maeda to tuck away his 25th goal of a prolific campaign.
DERBY DAZE…Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels celebrate Celtic’s 3-0 derby triumph at Parkhead at the beginning of September.
Engels, who had been taken off just 12 minutes earlier after a Man of the Match performance, thought it was “crazy” Johnston had the energy and ambition to continue pushing forward even in added-on time with the victory and points assured.
Celtic fans have enjoyed the 100 per cent commitment from Johnston since the dynamic performer replaced Josip Juranovic for his debut in a 2-2 derby draw at Ibrox on January 2 2023 with the Croatian international poised to leave for Union Berlin later in the month.
Engels, introduced to his inexhaustible colleague in the 3-0 victory over Rangers on September 1 after his club record £11million deadline-day arrival from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg, reflected on the right-back’s display against the Dons and said: “He’s always pushing in every game.
“For him to get an assist in the last minute is CRAZY!
“He’s doing really well and I’m really impressed with him, so I hope he just keeps on going.”
Johnston, bought for £3.75million from MLS club CF Montreal, made his 100th Celtic appearance as the club notched up another win on their way to title No.55.
And Action Man Al is looking forward to outing No.101 in Paisley at the venue where he claimed the first of his four goals this season back in August.
SAINTS AND WINNERS…Alistair Johnston gets a touch to send the ball goalward.
DESTINATION BACK OF NET…Johnston watches as his shot zeroes in on target.
IN THE NET…Johnston races away in joy after completing the scoring in Celtic’s 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley in August.
Following an unimpressive first 20 minutes against the Pittodrie club on the back of a 2-1 loss at Hibs, Johnston said: “The most important thing is to get the results and the points on the board, continue to climb and see what we can get to by the end of the season.
“We knew that whenever you drop points here, it’s got to be a big kick in the backside.
“Even when it was a bit sticky, we still have moments of brilliance and quality up front that can get you goals.
“That’s something that we’ve been blessed with – an unbelievably talented squad and some really talented forward players who can score even when we’re struggling.”
On his achievement of becoming a Ton-Up Bhoy, Johnston, speaking to Celtic website, continued: “Tony Ralston congratulated me before the game on my 100th appearance, but I didn’t realise it was!
“To have 100 appearances at a club like this is really special. Around the changing room, there are guys who have so many more than that and it feels like a small number.
“But, to me, it’s an impressive thing and to me and my family, it’s really important and special.”
Johnston added: “To have thought a couple years ago that I’d have 100 appearances for a club like Celtic, it’s not something that was even in the realm of possibility.
“So, to say that I’ve done that, I’m pretty proud of myself and hopefully I’ll kick on and get some more under my belt.”
