COMEBACK BHOY Alistair Johnston is relishing the challenge of attempting to win the league and Cup double in eight momentous days.
The World Cup-bound Canadian international right-back made his first start since October in the 2-1 victory over Hibs at Easter Road a couple of weekends ago.
Now Johnston is within touching distance of twin silverware success with the opportunity to lift a fifth successive title when the champions face Hearts in the east end of Glasgow tomorrow afternoon.
And a week later, it’s the Scottish Cup Final against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline at Hampden to bring down the curtain on a truly extraordinary campaign.
SEE YOU LATER…Alistair Johnston leaves Emmanuel Longelo in his slipstream as he races down the wing during Celtic’s 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in midweek.
With a fair degree of understatement, Johnston said: “It’s something I don’t think happens too often.
“Obviously, leagues can come down to the final day, but the fact that it’s the two teams playing each other as well, makes it extra special.
“I’ve experienced some pretty good atmospheres at Celtic Park and I have a feeling this one’s going to rival some of the best nights.
“We’re all really excited for it. It’s great in terms that both teams know exactly what they need to get out of the game.
“We know we need to go and win the match, which makes it really clear for us. And we’re all just ready to get it going.”
Johnston, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “Everyone at this club is used to having pressure, so that’s not something that we’re too bothered with.
“I think we’re all looking at it as the glass is half full.
IN WITH A SHOUT…Alistair Johnston celebrates at Fir Park.
“What I mean is that, where we’ve been this season, all the different paths that we’ve taken, all the different obstacles that have come and gone, to the fact that it’s come down to matchday 38.
“The last one of the season, at home, the crowd’s fully behind us, we’ve got a good run of form and you’re told: ‘Here, go and win a match’.
“At the end of the day, if you can go and do that you can win a title. That’s something that if you told us that a month ago, we would have shook your hand for that.”
The attack-minded back-four performer added: “It’s a great opportunity, one that we also know that whatever happens, the same as the Rangers match last week, if you concede an early goal, it doesn’t matter, you need to win the match, go find a way, you’ve got time.
“So, whatever happens in the game, we just know we’ve got to play to that final whistle, the same as we did against Motherwell, and, ideally, find a way to get three points on the board.
“And then we can enjoy the summer after that.”
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