NEW Bhoy Alistair Johnston is ready to battle for his place in the Celtic first team.
The £3.5million signing from MLS outfit CF Montreal has arrived at Parkhead and will be good to go when the deal is rubberstamped on January 1 2023.
The Canada World Cup defender will be one of three international right-backs at the club along with Scotland’s Anthony Ralston and Croatia’s Josip Juranovic.
Johnston, 24, said: “I’m just here to fight for my place and, hopefully, earn some minutes.
“Nothing’s going to be given, everything’s going to be earned.
“We’re trying to play a certain way. They want to bring in some young talented players who have an edge to them. I think I fit that mould, but the other two right-backs do, as well.”
AIR WE GO…Alistair Johnston and Josip Juranovic duel for a high ball during Croatia’s 4-1 World Cup win over Canada in the group stages.
Juranovic, of course, has been the centre of intense transfer speculation since his performances in Qatar and he will play on the world’s biggest stage again tomorrow night when his country take on Argentina in the semi-final.
The pair were rivals at the group stage as Johnston’s nation were beaten, but the Hoops’ latest recruit, speaking to BBC Scotland, continued: “I did actually talk to him a little bit after.
“Just said hello and he was really good about coming out of his way to make sure he came and found me even after a big 4-1 win for them.
“He’s a great player. He was one of the best players on the pitch and he’s been showing that all World Cup.”
Johnston added: “It’s no joke the Celtic fans nearly broke my phone. Just the outpouring of love has been pretty crazy. That doubled up with being in a World Cup at the same time was a really just crazy time in my life.
“Super excited to get here. Everyone’s been so warm and welcoming. It’s been a pretty unique and special welcome, I’d say.
“It was a match made in heaven for me. When Celtic came calling for me, it was a pretty easy decision.
“I’m someone who just loves to defend. Love to defend, live for it.”
