SAM JOHNSTONE has fired a warning to his Celtic glove rival Viljami Sinisalo.
The former England international keeper arrived at the champions on a season-long loan deal from Wolves just before the transfer deadline.
And Johnstone has made it clear he has not moved to Glasgow to sit on the substitutes’ bench.
The one-time Manchester United prospect said: “I’m buzzing to be at Celtic and want to take whatever the next step is in my career. I still want to play. That’s obvious, everyone can see that.
“There is a time for being a back-up goalkeeper, probably when I’m older.
READY TO FIGHT FOR THE JERSEY…former England international keeper Sam Johnstone is “buzzing” after sealing his loan move to Celtic.
“But, at 33, with my mentality, now is not the time. I always want to play. Growing up, that’s what you want to do.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had the mentality to sit there and accept not playing. I find it difficult. Things happen in football, things move on and there will be tough times, but we want to play games as a footballer.
“So, let’s see what happens. You have to fight for your position and then we go from there.”
“Even him just walking into a room, we were scared straight away!
“Martin O’Neill made me feel welcome from the first word we spoke to each other. He came and sat with me and my dad and we enjoyed the conversation with him.
“He’s a very calm man and an experienced manager, so it’s great to be around him, as well.”
I’M IN CHARGE…Viljami Sinisalo gives the thumb’s up during Celtic’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last month.
Johnstone is eager to take that coveted No.1 jersey which has been the property of Finnish international Sinisalo since the enforced retirement of Danish icon Kasper Schmeichel in February.
“You have seen that in the games, too, and we have players who are honest and work hard every day, with a high level of quality.”
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